The Cameo of Kelleran Beq: Ahmed Best's Return to Star Wars

24 November 2023
Ahmed Best, known for his portrayal of the polarizing character Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, made a remarkable return to the Star Wars universe with his new character, Kelleran Beq in a surprise cameo during Episode 4 of Season 3 of "The Mandalorian," titled "The Foundling”.

During the episode, the Armorer leads Grogu to her Forge to craft a new piece of Mandalorian armor for him. As she works, Grogu experiences visions of the siege of the Jedi Temple during the initial enactment of Order 66. It is in these visions that the story of Kelleran Beq’s heroism is revealed. Beq, a Jedi Master, is shown rescuing Grogu from the Temple amid the chaos of Order 66. He, along with sympathetic members of the Naboo Armed Forces, ensures Grogu's escape from the deadly purge ordered by Emperor Palpatine, which aimed to annihilate the Jedi Order​​.

This moment is crucial as it fills a gap in the Star Wars lore, particularly concerning Grogu's backstory and how he survived the tragic events of Order 66.

Kelleran Beq cameo

Ahmed Best’s journey in the Star Wars saga began with his role as Jar Jar Binks, a Gungan from the planet Naboo, first introduced in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." Jar Jar Binks was a groundbreaking character, one of the first to be fully realized through digital motion capture technology. However, the character was met with a mix of fascination and criticism, largely due to his unconventional mannerisms and perceived racial caricatures. The backlash was intense and far-reaching, impacting Best's career and personal life significantly.

In contrast to Jar Jar Binks, Kelleran Beq, the character portrayed by Best in the Star Wars galaxy, presents a distinctly different persona. Kelleran Beq is a Jedi Master and host of the game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge." This character, steeped in the mystique and wisdom typical of Jedi, is a far cry from the clumsy and often comedic Jar Jar Binks. Beq’s role, characterized by intelligence, leadership, and a deep understanding of the Force, offers a new dimension to Best’s repertoire within the Star Wars universe.

Ahmed Best's return to Star Wars through Kelleran Beq is seen by many as a redemptive arc. This comeback has been met with positive reactions from fans, many of whom have expressed support and excitement over Best’s re-emergence in a more serious and revered role. This shift in perception is indicative of a changing tide in the Star Wars community, suggesting a newfound appreciation for Best’s talents and a reevaluation of his contributions to the Star Wars saga. The transition from Jar Jar Binks to Kelleran Beq not only represents a personal triumph for Best but also highlights the evolving narrative and character development strategies within the Star Wars franchise.

The shift in the public’s attitude towards Ahmed Best also reflects a broader change in how fans engage with the franchise. There is an increasing awareness of the impact of fan discourse on the lives of actors and creators, leading to a more thoughtful and considerate fandom culture.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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