Star Wars: Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor defend Jar Jar Binks

In 1999, George Lucas revived his famous star-studded saga 16 years after Return of the Jedi with The Phantom Menace. Exploring the origins of the iconic characters found in the original films, we now follow the adventures of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his young apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) as they meet Anakin (Jake Lloyd), still a child.

The epic story of fallen Jedi, forbidden romance and the dismantling of democracy are on the agenda – all of which bring together an all-new cast and new characters to populate this massive space opera.

And among these new characters is one that has sparked a lot of discussion: Jar Jar Binks. Although the clumsy and clumsy Gungan creature was supposed to bring some humor and lightness to the film, he quickly became one of the most hated characters in the saga – a cruel and disproportionate hatred that went so far as to touch his translator, Ahmed Best.

In an exclusive edition of Empire magazine celebrating its 25th anniversary A phantom threatThe main actors of the prelogue reflect their experiences in the film. Liam Neeson Thus he fondly remembered his work next to himEwan McGregorbut on the sideAhmed Best And he regrets how his character was treated.

“Ahmed was so funny and inventive“- said the actor and recalled his indignation at the fans’ reaction. “Ewen and I were personally hurt and upset by the critical reaction to the character.“

• Star Wars, What Happens to Jar Jar? A deleted scene from episode 3 reveals the fate of the saga’s most hated character

excessive anger

Playing Jar Jar in a motion capture suit, Ahmed Best Over the years, he suffered a disproportionate amount of anger from his fans, an ordeal that closed many doors in the film industry and almost led him to commit suicide, as he revealed in 2018 on his now-deleted Twitter account.

“Next year will mark 20 years since I experienced the violent media backlash that still affects my career today.she wrote, accompanying the words with a photo of her and her son facing a bridge. “This is where I almost ended my life. It’s always difficult to talk about it. I survived and today this little boy is my gift.“

The actor has since returned to the saga as Jedi Master Kelleran Beck on the game show. Star Wars: The Challenge of the Jedi TempleThen in the third season of The Mandalorian.

• “No director wanted to work with me”: 25 years ago, this movie almost destroyed Natalie Portman’s career.

Jar Jar, the big bad guy of the saga?

However, for some fans, the character was much more than a poor creature there to make the audience laugh. Indeed, according to the theory they put forward, Jar Jar Binks, behind his clumsy and innocent appearance, would really be an expert in the art of force-handling, a powerful Sith Lord, and the greatest villain of the saga…

Check out the fan theory in detail in the video below:

You can watch the entire Star Wars prequel on Disney+.