Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best has returned to the Star Wars franchise in a surprise cameo that’s left fans ‘crying’. The 49-year-old is known for playing Jar Jar in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, having first appeared in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
The amphibious humanoid of the Gungan race was a major character in the film after he was rescued by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). But the character received a huge backlash from both fans and critics and had significantly smaller roles in the film’s two sequels.
Jar Jar is often cited as the worst Star Wars character and slammed for his goofy appearance and personality. Criticism of the character became so overwhelmingly negative that Best received death threats and even contemplated suicide.
READ MORE: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor new story trailer has fans so ‘pumped’ they’re ‘pinching’ themselves
Now after almost 25 years since his first appearance in the franchise, Best has made an unexpected return to a galaxy far, far away in the latest episode of Disney+ series The Mandalorian. In the fourth episode of season three – titled Chapter 20: The Foundling – Best appears as a Jedi called Kelleran Beq.
Kelleran is shown in flashback scenes of the notorious Order 66, when the Jedi are betrayed and all but wiped out. The dual-lightsaber wielding Kelleran is seen rescuing a young Grogu from an onslaught of Clone Troopers inside the Jedi Temple and escaping with him on a ship.
Discover, learn, grow. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
This is marks the second time Best has played the little-known Jedi, having originated the role on the short-lived children’s game show Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. Star Wars fans have flocked to social media since The Mandalorian dropped on Wednesday, with many overjoyed at Best’s return.
On Twitter, @gonzofan07 said: “I just cannot believe we got to see Ahmed Best as a jedi. Absolutely awesome. So happy for him.”
@thizzinbelizzin said: “Of all the crap Ahmed Best was put through over the years I’m legit thrilled to see that he has the most badass redemption arc.”
#TheMandalorian spoilers //
.
.
.
.
.
.
i just cannot believe we got to see ahmed best as a jedi. absolutely awesome. so happy for him pic.twitter.com/Sp1PZaOFdW— Jake (@gonzofan07)
@themeadowpicnic said: “Seeing Ahmed Best back made me cry I’m so glad he’s back oh my god, welcome back.”
@N8Mess said: “I truly hope Ahmed Best feels more welcomed and loved by the Star Wars fandom than ever before. He deserves this and so much more!”
@1610SPlDEY said: “I’m so happy for Ahmed Best oh my god. Dude goes from one of the most despised Star Wars characters to playing the Jedi who saved Grogu. He deserves this.”
READ NEXT:
- Residents living in high-rise flats left furious by soaring rent, eviction notices and lifts out of order for months
- Drunk woman who lashed out in town centre claimed she just 'fell over'
- Last-known CCTV footage of missing woman who police believe has been murdered
- Vile paedophile who abused two children decades apart unmasked after becoming 'bored' and bragging online
- Inside Greater Manchester Police’s ‘biggest change’ in a generation
