The Star Wars universe has been buzzing with rumors for years, and among them is one particularly enduring fan theory. According to this theory, Jar Jar Binks, often criticized by fans, was secretly a formidable Sith throughout the entire prequel trilogy. Devoted Star Wars fans have meticulously analyzed the evidence from the prequels, unveiling a surprisingly substantial amount of support for this speculation.
While this theory remains just that - a theory, it does present a convincing case that demands consideration. However, it is important to bear in mind a few key factors when evaluating whether Jar Jar Binks truly embodied the Sith. It is plausible that he operated as a malevolent character lurking in the shadows, yet it is also worth considering the possibility that this theory emerged as a means to inject humor into a character that received an excessive amount of criticism.
Who Is Jar Jar Binks?
Jar Jar Binks makes his debut in the first Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace, where some viewers dislike him for being the source of comedy relief, which did not resonate with everyone. Due to his exaggerated behavior, Jar Jar becomes an outcast from his Gungan tribe, but his fate takes a positive turn when he crosses paths with the renowned Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Despite his foolishness, Jar Jar manages to redeem himself and become a more accomplished Gungan by the end of The Phantom Menace.
In the subsequent two films, Jar Jar's role diminishes significantly, but he experiences a rise in prominence as he becomes a prominent politician. Surprisingly, Jar Jar develops a close working relationship with Padme Amidala, a development that catches everyone off guard since his initial introduction. However, Palpatine takes advantage of Jar Jar's newfound power, ultimately leading to his downfall and relegation to obscurity as the Empire rises to power.
Why Do Some Think Jar Jar Is A Secret Sith Lord?
One reason why some believe Jar Jar is a Sith Lord is that it's hard for them to accept that a character as clumsy and inept as him could later possess great powers in the galaxy. Some speculate that Jar Jar's silly behavior is merely a facade to deceive everyone. In fact, some go even further to suggest that he used the Force covertly without any Jedi detecting it.
Another piece of evidence is the cunning and scheming nature of Palpatine. It's not far-fetched to think that he could have manipulated Jar Jar Binks to further his own plan, given his willingness to wait decades for it to unfold. This implies that Jar Jar acted as a secret operative for Palpatine, disregarding the Sith Rule of Two in order to be trained for his important role. The fact that Palpatine gained significant power in the Senate largely due to Jar Jar only strengthens this notion.
Is Jar Jar Binks Actually A Sith?
Then there are individuals who point out certain statements made by both George Lucas and Ahmed Best - the actor who played Jar Jar Binks - throughout the years. These individuals argue that some of these statements could be interpreted as subtle indications of Jar Jar Binks being a Sith Lord. However, it should be noted that Lucas' remarks may require a significant stretch of interpretation. While it is true that Lucas did mention Jar Jar as being important, this statement is open to various interpretations. Considering the on-screen events, it is plausible to consider this statement as true, especially given Jar Jar's manipulation by Palpatine. Nonetheless, there hasn't been any subsequent clarification on this matter.
Contrary to the amusing notion that Jar Jar Binks was secretly aligned with malevolence throughout, this is highly unlikely. Rather, Jar Jar Binks served as a useful pawn whom Palpatine skillfully exploited. Furthermore, when considering the fact that Binks disappeared into oblivion once the Empire came into power, it undermines any claims of his wickedness. Perhaps one could argue that Binks unwittingly aided the Sith due to extreme manipulation, but the proposition of him being a Sith himself appears to be wishful thinking and merely a creative attempt to make a universally despised character more palatable.
One major argument against the notion of Jar Jar being a Sith is that it contradicts a fundamental Sith principle that played a crucial role in their dominance over the galaxy. Darth Bane established the Rule of Two, which enabled the Sith to operate covertly and conspire to annihilate the Jedi without exposing themselves or risking internal conflict among power-hungry Sith. It would hardly make sense for Palpatine to discard this rule after generations of Sith strictly adhering to it, especially considering his intense desire to wield ultimate power over the entire galaxy. Star Wars can be streamed on Disney+.