You may be surprised by who is the favourite Star Wars character of the man who made it.
George Lucas confirmed via a video message at the panel for the 20th anniversary panel for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace that his favourite character is actually introduced during the first film of the prequel trilogy.
That favourite is the Gungan comedic character Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), the critically-panned ally of Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor).
"Off course Jar Jar is my favorite character. Ahmed [Best], you did a fantastic job. It was very, very hard.”
Best reprised the role for a smaller dose of screentime in Attack of the Clones, before only making a cameo turn in Revenge of the Sith.
The actor was present at the panel in Chicago, Illinois, where the message from Lucas was revealed.
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Alongside Best were co-stars Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Ray Park (Darth Maul), and Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious).
Lucas also revealed that the 1999 film The Phantom Menace was "one of [his] favourite films".
The divisive prequel trilogy opener focused on blockade around the planet of Naboo by the villainous Trade Federation, prompting the Jedi to intervene to help ruling Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), and along the way meeting a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd).
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The celebration of The Phantom Menace came on the final day of the fan event, with the much-anticipated trailer for the upcoming Star W
ars Episode IX released during the celebration.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is released on December 19, 2019.
Who is your favourite character in Star Wars? Let us know in the comments below.
