Jar Jar Binks and Jedi Master Kelleran Beq actor Ahmed Best paid tribute toStar Warsstars Mark Hamill and Frank Oz in a beautiful post addressing Best’s experience with backlash in the franchise. Although the prequels have become beloved amongStar Warsmovies and TV shows, when they were released, they were met with extreme backlash. In fact, not only were the prequels considered some ofStar Wars’worst moviesfor quite some time, but also, the actors from the prequels,Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacein particular, were met with harsh criticism and bullying.
Now, Ahmed Best, who played both Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy and returned toStar WarsinThe Mandalorianas Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, has taken to Instagram to reveal that a fewStar Warslegends had his back from the very beginning. Specifically, in a post on his Instagram account,bestahmed, Best named Mark Hamill and Frank Oz as two incredibly supportiveStar Warsactors.
In addition to directly calling out the vitriol he and other prequel trilogy actors faced, Best revealed that Hamill supported him both privately and publicly and was even the first to tell Best that he was part of theStar Warsfamily.
The Mandalorian Is Star Wars' Apology To Jar Jar Actor Ahmed Best
Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best’s role in The Mandalorian season 3 is the best way for him to return to a franchise that’s maligned him for too long.
It’s Wonderful To See How Welcome & Supportive Star Wars Actors Are
The kind of support and positivity seen in Ahmed Best’s Instagram post is exactly whatStar Warsneeds right now. In fact, this message is no doubt tied to the current context in the franchise. FollowingThe Acolyte’scancelation, hateful rhetoric has intensified, targeting the show’s actors. Amandla Stenberg, who played Osha and Mae inThe Acolyte, has specifically been harassed online and has shared their own Instagram messages regarding that experience.
Best had already shared a post of support regarding Stenberg’s recent experience in the franchise, and this was a wonderful way for him to follow up on that initial message.With so much negativity in the franchise, it’s truly a relief to hear about experiences such as this one. It is even more meaningful given Best’s experience. Best’s return toThe Mandalorianwas perfectly triumphant, but the way he was treated during the prequel trilogy era remains a massive stain onStar Wars’history. Best was subjected to the worst of what this fandom can look like.
Nevertheless, it really is wonderful to know that the hate, vitriol, and negativity that permeates discourse aroundStar Warsmovies and shows does not extend to the actors themselves. Clearly, Best felt truly welcomed by actors like Hamill and Oz, and he is doing a beautiful job passing that support on to a new generation ofStar Warsactors. In the midst of continued disheartening behavior in theStar Warsfandom, Ahmed Best’s post is the message everyone needs to see right now.
