Content Warning: This post contains discussions of suicidal ideation.
Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best recently shared his experience of theStar Warsprequel trilogy and the backlash to his character, and it needs to be a larger lesson for the franchise and especially the fanbase. Best was first introduced inStar Warsmovies and TV showsas Jar Jar Binks inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
He has since returned inThe Mandalorianas Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, who saved Grogu fromOrder 66. While that was a thrilling return, Best remains primarily known for his portrayal of Jar Jar and, sadly, the vitriol he experienced in that role. Now,Ahmed Best’s recent words need to serve as a warning and a lesson forStar Wars.
Intense Backlash To The Prequel Trilogy Left Ahmed Best In A Dark Place
Best’s Recent Comments Shed Light Upon What This Experience Was Like For Him
Although there were manycomplaints about the prequel trilogywhen those movies were first released, one of the biggest was backlash to Jar Jar Binks. Due to the way Jar Jar spoke and his boisterous, clumsy personality, some viewers (notably, adult viewers) found the character annoying.
Despite the fact that Ahmed Best was simply performing the role as it was written and in response to how he was being directed, the hate was often and unfairly focused on Best. As could be expected for anyone in that position,this hate and backlash took a toll on Best’s mental well-being, and he recently spoke about that experience.
As reported byEntertainment Weekly,the hatred directed at Ahmed Best because of his portrayal of Jar Jar had a significant impact on Best’s mental health. In the Disney + documentaryLight & Magic, Best shared:
“I thought it was my fault…I was 26. What should have felt like the beginning of something quite wonderful felt like the end.”
Best went on to describe a devastating moment of suicidal ideation in the wake of this backlash:
“I just remember myself on the outside of the bridge, leaning on one of the big pillars. I see the Statue of Liberty, and what I think to myself is, ‘I’ll show every single one of them what y’all did to me. I’m gonna make every one of you feel what you did to me…I’m leaning on the bridge, and I’m getting closer and closer to just going — just being free of all the talking and people…Then out of nowhere, WHOOSH, a gust of wind blows at me.”
It’s absolutely devastating to know that the response to the prequel trilogy and to Best’s character had the actor in such a dark place. In fact, while this would of course be heartbreaking to hear about any person, what makes this especially painful is knowing that Best has a deep love forStar Wars—a love that continues even now.
Ultimately, this story is something that the larger fanbase needs to be aware of and learn from. Sadly,this hatred and intense backlash continues to be a problem inStar Wars, and it has to stop. Best’s words alone reinforce how seriously this issue within the fanbase needs to be taken.
This story is something that the larger fanbase needs to be aware of and learn from.
Best Is Far From The Only Star Wars Actor Who Has Dealt With Vitriol
This Has Now Been A Troubling Trend For Decades
Unfortunately,Ahmed Best is far from the first or the lastStar Warsactor to be subjected to this treatment, and it’s important to note that it’s oftenStar Warsactors of color who are the focus of such backlash. In recent years, this type of behavior seems to be specifically targeting women of color in the franchise.
This includes Rose Tico actress Kelly Marie Tran, who is believed to have stepped away from social media following the backlash to her character inStar Wars: The Last Jedi, andObi-Wan Kenobi’sReva actress Moses Ingram. In fact, the response to Ingram was so jarring that Obi-Wan actor Ewan McGregor himself made a statement.
Most recently, thebacklash toThe Acolyterepeated this trend, with a frankly shocking amount of hate and anger directed towards the show’s actors, including Manny Jacinto, Jodie Turner-Smith, and particularly Amandla Stenberg. Given this troubling pattern doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon, Ahmed Best’s story should serve as a warning.
This Problem Still Affects Star Wars Today—And It Has To Stop
It’s Critical That This Behavior Is Addressed And Shut Down
Ahmed Best’s experience and story should serve as a lesson for the largerStar Warsfranchise and fanbase. It’s already apparent that nobody deserves the treatment Best received followingThe Phantom Menace, but hearing how seriously this backlash affected him is a sobering reminder that this type of behavior can have serious consequences.
Given this behavior has continued, it unfortunately seems like the fanbase and the franchise in general have yet to truly learn from this situation. In terms of the fanbase, it feels as though there is a constant cycle of negativity each time a new movie or show is released, to varying degrees of severity.
Sadly, though,it isn’t just fans who are responsible for circumstances such as those Ahmed Best was subjected to. Even after years of this behavior from some fans, Lucasfilm has remained quiet, rather than defending theseStar Warsactors. That, too, has to change.
This feels like an especially important lesson to learn now, as severalupcomingStar Warsmoviesseem primed to result in a similar level of criticism and backlash. As just one example, based on the response to Rey in the sequel trilogy, Daisy Ridley’sStar Warsreturn, most likely inStar Wars: New Jedi Order, has me particularly nervous.
I’m delighted that Ahmed Best still lovesStar Warsand had a brilliant return as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, but the truth is, he never should have experienced what he did when playing Jar Jar Binks. Hopefully, Ahmed Best’s words will serve as a true wake-up call forStar Warsfans and within the franchise itself.
