Ahmed Best Shares Enthusiasm With Fans After the Release of ‘The Mandalorian’ Chapter 20
In this week’s episode of The Mandalorian, titled The Foundling, we finally received the answer to a question that’s been plaguing the internet since season 1 – who rescued Grogu from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant? Turns out, it was none other than Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, played by veteran Star Wars actor Ahmed Best, famous for his role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequels. Best has shared his enthusiasm and gratitude for the role and the fan reception on his personal Instagram. See below:
If you haven’t already joined the masses in searching “Kelleran Beq” on Wookieepedia (guilty), and you don’t know who this character is, allow me to briefly explain: Kelleran Beq is a Jedi Master featured in the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel show Jedi Temple Challenge, which was a game show where kids competed to earn the title of Jedi. This show was hosted by Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best) and was an all-around feel-good kids’ reality show.
To say that Kelleran Beq was a longshot for the role of rescuer of Grogu in The Mandalorian is an understatement. This character is obscure even by the standards of someone who cheerfully dressed up as Elan Sleazebaggano last year for Halloween (again, guilty). But Beq’s cameo represents so much more than just bringing another deep cut into live-action.
The Star Wars fandom has a long and bumpy track record with acceptance of the new. Perhaps no actor, and unfortunately there are many, experienced the unforgiving reality of this nature more than Ahmed Best, who was relentlessly ridiculed for his role as Jar Jar Binks in the prequels.
These days, the temperature reading on prequel opinions is much warmer than it used to be. This is largely attributed to the fans who were kids when the prequels were released now being older, hosting podcasts, and paying for Disney Plus subscriptions.
While some people may still roll their eyes at Jar Jar Binks, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had from Best’s performance. For many, Best’s cameo in The Mandalorian represents a celebration of a talented performer who we’re lucky to have in this universe. It’s a chance at redemption for many Star Wars fans and an opportunity for Best, who has steadfastly committed to a goofy Gungan for years, to pick up a lightsaber and be a badass for a good few minutes.
Speaking of which, check out Kelleran Beq’s official poster/promotional image for The Mandalorian below:
Jedi Kelleran Beq.
Chapter 20 of #TheMandalorian is now streaming on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/Vs3tZl8u5U
— The Mandalorian (@themandalorian) March 23, 2023
Will we see more of Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian? Sound off in the comments and stay tuned for the latest news on The Mandalorian, right here on Star Wars News Net.
When she isn't watching her friends and family's eyes glaze over at the mention of The Clone Wars, she's at the park with her dog, Melvin, or on the couch with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. Physically, she lives in Ohio; spiritually, she lives in Naboo.
