George Lucas Says He Loves Jar Jar Binks; Character Was Inspired By Goofy

When George Lucas was working on 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.

On Friday, Lucas spoke at the D23 Expo and shared his fondness for the Gungan and says the character was inspired by Goofy. Gawrsh!

"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."

(via people)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives in theaters December 18, 2015.