Michael Jackson wanted to play Jar Jar Binks in "Star Wars"
Michael Jackson as Jar Jar Binks? It apparently could have happened.
That's according to Ahmed Best, the actor who played the character in the "Star Wars" prequels throughout the 2000s.
In a new interview with Vice, Best recalls the time he found out from "Star Wars" franchise creator George Lucas that the pop star (and major "Star Wars" fan) had a strong interest in playing the role. Except he reportedly wanted to do it in prosthetics and "Thriller"-like makeup, a look Lucas didn't support.
"That's what George told me. Me, Natalie Portman, and George's kids--we were at Wembley arena at Michael Jackson's concert," Best said. "We were taken backstage and we met Michael. There was Michael and Lisa Marie (Presley). 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? 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. My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don't think he wanted that."
Maybe just as well? In the end, Jar Jar Binks turned out not to be a favorite character in the popular franchise.
Meanwhile, "Star Wars" fans will finally get to see a new installment when "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" opens in December.