Ahmed Best, who plays Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars universe, reveals details about his new Jedi character from Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. Jar Jar first appeared in the prequel films as a resident of the planet Naboo and member of the Gungans. He's one the most controversial characters in Star Wars history, but still played a role in all three prequel movies. However, his screen time lessened with each subsequent appearance. Following the prequel films, Best voiced Jar Jar in several episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, most recently in season 6. Best also appeared briefly as a different character, Achk Med-Beq, in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
All told, Best is a fairly recognizable figure in the Star Wars universe, which he'll continue next month as the host of Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. In the upcoming game show, Best will play a new Jedi, named Master Kelleran Beq. He'll be joined by actress Mary Holland as a droid and Star Wars regular Sam Witwer as the dark side of the Force. The series premieres June 3 and will follow various kids as they try to become a Jedi Knight. Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge will be available on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel, as well as the Star Wars Kids website.
As the show's premiere date approaches, Best has taken to social media to share some more details about his mysterious new Jedi. In his first post, Best revealed his new character and Achk Med are in fact related, as some assumed by the last name. He also discussed the "creative freedom" he was given in crafting Kelleran. In a second post, Best showed off his character's lightsaber and explained why he chose the color purple for it. He also revealed a nickname for Kelleran, "The Bladed Hand," which comes from "his effectiveness with the one-handed lightsaber style and the empty hand which wields the Force simultaneously like another lightsaber." Check out Best's posts below:
Best's explanation is impressively detailed and shows just how much thought went into his new Jedi character. The information about his creative freedom is also interesting and more than Lucasfilm is usually willing to grant actors. It could be that Kelleran is unlikely to appear in any other Star Wars stories, which would explain Best's free reign with the character. The detail about Kelleran's connection to Achk Med is also a fun Easter egg for hardcore Star Wars fans.
It's hard to know at this point exactly how big a role Kelleran will play in Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. In this type of show, usually the contestants are the focus. However, it seems unlikely Best would have accepted the job and gone to all the trouble of crafting his character if he was only going to appear briefly. Fans will have to wait until June 3 to find out for sure.
Source: Ahmed Best