Jar Jar Binks Actor Shares Why He’s Proud of His Star Wars Role

In 1999, when “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” hit theaters, audiences were introduced to Jar Jar Binks – an awkward, well-meaning Gungan with a unique way of speaking. Portrayed by actor Ahmed Best, Jar Jar was the first major fully computer-generated character in a live-action film. While groundbreaking technologically Jar Jar unfortunately attracted a barrage of criticism, being called annoying and a racial stereotype by many. The backlash took a serious mental and emotional toll on Best. In this article we talk about Jar Jar Binks Actor Shares Why He’s Proud of His Star Wars Role.

However, over 20 years later, Best has gained perspective and come to appreciate the pioneering role both he and Jar Jar played in cinema history. Though the criticism was disproportionately harsh, he understands Jar Jar connected deeply with a certain audience. Best has also rebuilt his career with pride in his versatility. Ultimately, the actor harbors no ill will towards Star Wars or Lucasfilm for how things played out.

Pioneering Motion Capture Performance

When George Lucas envisioned Jar Jar Binks, he wanted a fully CGI character that still had the heart and physicality of a live performance. This required an actor to provide reference footage and after an extensive search, Best was cast. The 26-year-old brought energy and commitment to set every day, wearing a suit covered in sensors to capture his movements.

Best gave Jar Jar his voice and mannerisms working closely with the visual effects team at Industrial Light & Magic. It was uncharted territory but together they achieved something never done before – a completely computer-generated lead performance. Lucas considered Jar Jar groundbreaking, as did many visual effects supervisors and animators who built upon the technology. So while Best himself was unfairly criticized his contribution was undeniably pioneering.

Connecting With An Underserved Audience

Though jar Jar was despised by many hardcore fans, he resonated surprisingly strongly with children. Lucas himself predicted this, assuring Best that kids would come to Jar Jar’s defense over time. After all, Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film of a new generation.

Best has since come to appreciate that Jar Jar gave young viewers, particularly those marginalized in some way, a character that spoke to them. At conventions today, children, people with disabilities, and those who have felt ostracized tend to most fondly remember Jar Jar. So while the snarky critics dominated the conversation in 1999, Jar Jar quietly won over the hearts of underserved demographics.

Rebuilding a Diverse Career

In the aftermath of Phantom Menace, Best struggled to find acting work as he was pigeonholed to Jar Jar. However, he diversified his career over time into writing, directing, teaching, and speaking. He currently lectures about filmmaking and Afrofuturism at USC and Stanford while continuing to act.

In 2019, Best returned to Star Wars Celebration amid deafening applause from fans. He also appeared in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian”, feeling like a homecoming. Between his teaching positions, convention appearances, and acting roles, Best rebuilt a vibrant career touching many disciplines. Rather than bitter, he’s grateful for every opportunity, including playing Jar Jar Binks.

No Regrets About Lucasfilm

Considering how traumatic the experience was at times, one might expect Best to harbor resentment towards Lucasfilm. However, he emphasizes that he does not – George Lucas and the visual effects team treated him exceptionally well during production.

Best understands he was just playing a character – the writers crafted Jar Jar’s dialogue and story arc. If the role was not sustainable over three films, or fit for Best’s range, that’s not necessarily a slight against him. As an artist, he does not want to be locked into any one character anyway. So while playing Jar Jar had emotional consequences, Best assigns no blame – it was all part of an ambitious creative risk.

Proud to Be Part of Cinema History

When asked if he’s proud to have played Jar Jar Binks, despite the backlash, Best gives an emphatic yes. No character in cinema history has faced such a vitriolic reception, yet also made such a technological breakthrough. Lucas bet that audiences would one day appreciate that innovation, and Best believes we have.

Jar Jar laid foundation for CGI characters that fans now love, like Gollum, the Na’vi, Thanos, and Hulk. Best paved the way for future actors like Benedict Cumberbatch (Smaug / The Grinch) and Josh Brolin (Thanos) who don incredible motion capture performances. So Ahmed Best has etched his name in the history books for redefining what’s possible in filmmaking. For an artist, that’s something to be immensely proud of. I sincerely hope you liek reading this “Jar Jar Binks Actor Shares Why He’s Proud of His Star Wars Role” article.