Michael Jackson wanted to star as Jar Jar Binks in the 'Star Wars' prequels.

The legendary pop star - who passed away in June 2009, aged 50 - wanted to appear in the 1999 movie 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace', but was ultimately beaten to the part by Ahmed Best.

Ahmed explained: ''That's what George [Lucas] told me.

''Me, Natalie Portman, and George's kids - we were at Wembley Arena at Michael Jackson's concert. We were taken backstage and we met Michael.

''There was Michael and Lisa Marie [Presley]. George introduced me as 'Jar Jar' and I was like, 'That's kind of weird.' Michael was like, 'Oh. OK.' I thought, 'What is going on?'

''After Michael had driven off, we all go back up to a big afterparty. I'm having a drink with George and I said, 'Why did you introduce me as Jar Jar?''

''He said, 'Well, Michael wanted to do the part but he wanted to do it in prosthetics and make-up like Thriller.' George wanted to do it in CGI.''

Ahmed, 41, suspected the 'Star Wars' creator opted against casting Michael because his profile threatened to overshadow the film.

He told Vice: ''My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don't think he wanted that.''