'N Sync
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
'N Sync (often styled as *NSYNC) was a popular boy band from 1998–2002.
In December 2001, it was rumored that members of *NSYNC were filmed as extras in Attack of the Clones.[1] In the following days, the story gained momentum and it was reported that three band members—Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick[2]—were given parts as Jedi and Naboo citizens[3] by producer Rick McCallum.[4] Lucasfilm later confirmed the news but denied the rumor that it was done by George Lucas as a favor for his daughters, Katie and Amanda, who were fans of the band. Also, Justin Timberlake acknowledged that he and Lance Bass were not involved, but that Joey Fatone's brother Steve was.[2]
Many Star Wars fans reacted negatively to the news, many seeing this incident as further evidence of Star Wars "selling out", similar to some Star Wars fans' reactions to Jar Jar Binks or the Ewoks.[5] On January 12, 2002, a Saturday Night Live sketch showed a satirical "first look" at Attack of the Clones, wherein the movie was forced to grind to a halt to allow for *NSYNC to perform an impromptu musical number entitled "I'm a Jedi Knight in these Jedi Days."[6]
Joey Fatone later announced that the singers' parts had been cut from the film because of the negative fan reaction. However, Lucasfilm's Lynne Hale denied this, saying that it was up to Lucas and that "the final edit of the film is what he determines it will be."[7] Whether or not any of the four can be seen in the final film remains unclear.
