He may be George Lucas’ favorite Star Wars character, but as of now, Jar Jar Binks isn’t set to appear in The Last Jedi.
Although some fans were duped by a tweet from a fake Variety account announcing that the gangly Gungan alien would be returning to the galaxy far, far away in Episode VIII, no one involved with the film has made a statement to that effect.
In fact, the link included in the Monday tweet takes users directly to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” 1987 music video — a prank commonly referred to as Rickrolling.
The gag caused an online freak-out among those who believed the news, as Jar Jar is widely considered to be the most disliked Star Wars character of all time. “I love Star Wars but I will protest this movie so godd—n fast,” replied one disgruntled fan.
Jar Jar haters can likely rest easy considering actor Ahmed Best — who played the alien in the prequel trilogy — has stated he will never return to Star Wars. “I think I’ve done my damage,” he told Jamie Stangroom during a 2016 Skype interview. “Yeah. I’m good with where I stand in the Star Wars universe. I don’t need to do that.”
- Essay: The Tyre Nichols Videos Demand Solemnity, Not Sensationalism
- For People With Disabilities, Losing Abortion Access Can Be a Matter of Life or Death
- Inside the Stealth Efforts to Smuggle Starlink Internet Into Iran
- Natasha Lyonne on Poker Face and Creating Characters Who Subvert Leading-Lady Tropes
- How to Help the Victims and Community After the Monterey Park Shooting
- Why Grocery Staples Are So Expensive Right Now
- Quantum Computers Could Solve Countless Problems—and Create a Lot of New Ones
- Where to Watch All of the 2023 Oscar Nominees
- How to Be Mindful if You Hate Meditating