The Journey of Jar Jar Binks: Why He's Not in the New Star Wars Films

When we think of beloved characters in the Star Wars universe, one name that often sparks mixed emotions is Jar Jar Binks. From his humble beginnings in the animated series The Clone Wars to his unexpected disappearance from the live-action films, Jar Jar's character has had a tumultuous journey. Let's explore why he's not in the new Star Wars films and what his fate may have been.

From Popularity to Obscurity

Initially, Jar Jar Binks was a popular and controversial character in the Clone Wars series. However, his prominence in the live-action films was short-lived. He was written out of the films due to his incredible unpopularity. George Lucas, the visionary behind the Star Wars series, decided to remove Jar Jar without providing any explanation. It's worth noting that the original plan was to have Jar Jar revealed as a Sith Lord, which could have potentially added depth to his character's trajectory. However, this idea was ultimately discarded, and Jar Jar's fate remained disappointing for many fans.

Unfavorable Reception and Cultural Impact

According to Wookieepedia, Jar Jar was exiled from Gungan society following the rise of the Empire. This event marked the beginning of his decline in the Star Wars universe. By the New Republic era, he was remembered for the good he did during the Prequels, but this memory was often overshadowed by his actions in enabling Palpatine's grab for power. Jar Jar, now a street performer shunned by adult Gungans and humans, found solace in the affection of children. Despite his enduring popularity among younger audiences, his presence in any new material has been a subject of much contemplation and debate.

Background and Current Status

After the events of Return of the Jedi, Jar Jar Binks retired to become the groundskeeper at an orphanage on Naboo. Interestingly, this moves seem to mirror a meta narrative, as the orphans find his antics hilarious, but the adults are unimpressed. It's a fitting end to his character's arc, though one that leaves many fans nostalgic for more substantial storylines.

Potential Restrictions on Future Appearances

Considering that the time gap between the Sith and Force Awakens is at least 50 years, it's understandable that Gungans might dislike that prolonged absence. More importantly, the majority of the fan base hated Jar Jar Binks. Lucasfilm, in its role as the guardians of the Star Wars canon, listened to these sentiments and may have made a conscious decision to exclude him from newer materials. It's essential to note that this decision aligns with the overarching principles of fan engagement and satisfaction.

Old Age and Character Limitations

Apart from his unpopularity and mass cultural impact, Jar Jar Binks would have been at least 70 years old by the time of the current films. Given the plethora of other interesting characters available, including 70-year-olds who fit the narrative better, the inclusion of Jar Jar might have been seen as redundant. Canonically, Jar Jar Binks, after the events of Return of the Jedi, is living on Naboo as a street clown, entertaining little kids. This portrayal, however, may not have been chosen as a strategic decision for the overall storyline.

In conclusion, the absence of Jar Jar Binks in the new Star Wars films can be attributed to his unfavorable reception, the considerable time gap in the narrative, and the strategic choices made by Lucasfilm to maintain fan engagement and satisfaction. While his journey is an interesting one, it ultimately underscores the importance of character development and narrative coherence in the grand tapestry of the Star Wars universe.