George Lucas recently gave fans a rare insider perspective on his Star Wars universe, naming The Phantom Menace as “one of my favorite movies” during a fan event celebrating the 1999 prequel (via Screenrant Instagram). Known for its political intrigue, introduction of a young Anakin Skywalker, and the controversial Gungan character Jar Jar Binks, Episode I has long divided audiences and critics alike – it is, in fact, the lowest ranked Star Wars film on Rotten Tomatoes – but Lucas disagrees with the general consensus.
In particular, Lucas singled out the ever-divisive Jar Jar Binks, stating, “Of course Jar Jar is my favorite character,” while also praising actor Ahmed Best: “… you did a fantastic job.” The endorsement is significant since Jar Jar’s entire existence is often cited as a low point in the franchise for some fans. Lucas’s comments, though, show the Star Wars creator’s appreciation for the humor, energy, and technical innovation the character brought to the saga.
Fans online have long debated Jar Jar’s role and legacy. On Reddit, users share a range of opinions. One fan wrote, “The biggest problem for Jar Jar was his timing. The Phantom Menace was the first [sic] star wars film in 20 years. The anticipation and excitement was through the roof. But the higher hopes get the harder the fall feels when those hopes crash and burn. TPM disappointed fans hard, it got a lot of hate, and the blame fell on the worst parts of the film... and Jar jar was an unfunny, annoying character who didn't really have any actual value.”
Another fan shared that Jar Jar was a “radical and jarring departure” from the tone of Star Wars at the time the prequels came out. Yet another acknowledged that the sheer hatred Jar Jar has gotten over the years might be a bit of an overreaction: “I don’t know why he’s hated, but he’s a pretty silly character.”
Nonetheless, Best’s performance combined physicality, voice acting, and early motion-capture technology that helped pave the way for more ambitious digital characters in later Star Wars projects—from Supreme Leader Snoke in the sequel trilogy to the fully digital creatures in The Mandalorian.
Jar Jar Binks aside, The Phantom Menace film introduced complex themes—political maneuvering, moral ambiguity, and the rise of a young hero—that continue to resonate across the Star Wars franchise. Shows like The Clone Wars, Andor, and Ahsoka continue to build on these foundations, proving that the prequels’ storytelling continues to inform modern Star Wars narratives.
Ultimately, Lucas’s reflections encourage both longtime fans and newcomers to reconsider The Phantom Menace. They suggest that, even for characters once dismissed or criticized, thoughtful creation and intention matter, and that these elements contribute to the ongoing richness of a galaxy far, far away.