I love Jar Jar Binks: Lucas

After years of criticism of Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks, the space saga's creator George Lucas has surprised fans at a Disney convention with a major reveal - that he was inspired by Goofy.

Star Wars creator, filmmaker George Lucas is honored with the Disney Legends Award, Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Source: AP

Jar Jar Binks - a computer-generated character that first appears in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace - is roundly loathed by most fans, who accuse Lucas of pandering to younger viewers with a comic sidekick.

Speaking at a Californian convention centre where the D23 Expo is taking place, Lucas urged fans to look at the character differently.

"I love Goofy and I love Jar Jar Binks," he said.

Disney has revived the Star Wars franchise, with four films already in the works, including one due out in December.