The late Michael Jackson dodged a big-screen bullet that almost saw him play one of the most-loathed characters in cinematic history: Jar Jar Binks of Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace.
The King of Pop’s almost-participation in the movie was revealed by Ahmed Best, the actor who did play the roundly reviled alien, in an interview with Vice.
“That’s what [director] George [Lucas] told me,” Best told Vice. “Me, Natalie Portman, and George’s kids — we were at Wembley arena at Michael Jackson’s concert. We were taken backstage and we met Michael.”
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“There was Michael and Lisa Marie [Presley],” he continued. “George introduced me as ‘Jar Jar’ and I was like, “That’s kind of weird.’ Michael was like, ‘Oh. OK.’ I thought, “What is going on?'”;
Following their meeting, Lucas explained why Jackson may have seemed taken aback. “After Michael had driven off, we all go back up to a big after-party. I’m having a drink with George and I said, ‘Why did you introduce me as Jar Jar?’ He said, ‘Well, Michael wanted to do the part but he wanted to do it in prosthetics and makeup like “Thriller.’ George wanted to do it in CGI.”
Added Best: “My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don’t think [Lucas] wanted that.”
Jacko and Lucas did collaborate on an earlier project: the 3D musical sci-fi extravaganza Captain EO, which began playing in Disney theme parks in 1986 and then reintroduced following the star’s death. Watch:
