George Lucas Says Jar Jar Binks Was Inspired By Goofy, and He Loves The Character

When George Lucas was making Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), he famously said, "Jar Jar's the key to all this, if we get Jar Jar working. 'Cause he's a funnier character than we've ever had in the movies." Jar Jar went on to become one of the most passionately hated fictional characters of all-time, but that doesn't bother Lucas one bit.

At Disney D23 Expo on Friday, Lucas talked about his love for the Gungan, and how he was inspired by Goofy.

"I can't even begin to tell you how much of an influence Disney has had on me," Lucas said. "I will say one secret that nobody knows; not many people realize that Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks," Lucas said. "I know that you will look at him differently now. It's pretty obvious, actually, but, um, I love Goofy and I love Jar Jar."

Funny comic: Why George Lucas Ruined The Star Wars Comics

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in theaters December 18, 2015.

(via people)