Sometimes when you lose, you really win.
Sometimes when you lose, you really win.
WATCH: The 6 Greatest Moments From the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel
Upon Jar Jar Binks' debut in 1999's Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, the goofy Gungan with the indistinguishable accent instantly became one of the most hated characters in the history of the universe, but Michael Jackson really wanted to play him.
In an interview with Vice, the actor who did play Jar Jar, Ahmed Best, said that the King of Pop was turned down for the role because he wanted to play the part using prosthetics and makeup reminiscent of "Thriller." Director George Lucas ultimately opted for CGI.
"That's what George told me," Best told the website. "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. 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 afterparty. 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."
WATCH: Harrison Ford Makes Surprise Appearance at Star Wars Panel
Time would eventually tell that Jackson's loss wasn't a loss at all. Jar Jar is still so hated that J.J. Abrams, who is directing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, wanted to kill Jar Jar off in his followup.
"I have thought about putting Jar Jar Binks' bones in the desert there," Abrams told Vanity Fair. "Only three people will notice, but they'll love it."
Check out The Force Awakens trailer below.