Jar Jar Binks, the notoriously unpopular Star Wars character who first appeared in 1999's Episode I: The Phantom Menace, has been confirmed as not featuring in the upcoming The Force Awakens. The character, who was a goofy, bumbling alien from the planet Naboo, had been intended to bring some light relief to the film, but just ended up annoying fans of the franchise.

Han Solo and Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force AwakensHan Solo and Chewbacca will appear in The Force Awakens, but not Jar Jar Binks.

Binks was also accused by some critics of being a racial caricature, thanks in part to his cod-Jamaican accent and in a 2006 poll Binks was voted the most annoying film character of all time. But despite his unpopularity he also appeared in 2002's Episode II: Attack of the Clones and 2005's Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith.

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Speaking at a press conference to promote the new film, Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy said: "Jar Jar is definitely not in the movie.” Kennedy also confirmed that The Force Awakens will not feature any Ewoks, joking: "That's because Harrison [Ford] insisted on it.”

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Earlier this year director Jj Abrams admitted he even considered killing off Binks to please fans. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Abrams said: "I have a thought about putting Jar Jar Binks's bones in the desert there. I'm serious! Only three people will notice, but they'll love it."