Recently, the full cast was announced for the Disney+ live-action “Star Wars” series titled “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” And though there were plenty of surprises, including Kumail Nanjiani and Benny Safdie. But there’s one name that wasn’t mentioned in the list of cast members that made some “Star Wars” fans a bit confused.
Almost immediately after the cast was revealed fans began to tweet at Ahmed Best asking if he was going to reprise his role as Jar Jar Binks in “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” And finally, the actor did reply, but it’s maybe not the response that some fans were hoping for.
In a tweet, Ahmed Best said, “Thanks for the love, but I will not be in this series. As much as I would’ve loved to be a part of it. But I’m ecstatic to see folks who I love dearly back together doing great things.”
For weeks now, it’s been rumored that Best would reprise his role as Jar Jar Binks, the controversial CGI character that debuted in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Over the years, Jar Jar has been the butt of jokes and controversy with some saying that the character represents all that is wrong with George Lucas’ prequel trilogy, while others, especially younger people, have come around and shown support for Binks. Add to it the various comments from Best over the years about how he went through severe bouts of depression over the hate he received after the film came out, and you had to assume that Lucasfilm would include him just as a way to redeem the character and show how great he could be.
Alas, it doesn’t appear that Best’s Jar Jar Binks will make an appearance in “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Of course, there’s always the chance this is all secretive misdirection, but Best seems sincere in his response about the upcoming Disney+ series, so it doesn’t seem likely. That said, what’s to stop Lucasfilm from introducing a Jar Jar Binks’ baby in the series to capitalize on the Baby Yoda fandom? Baby Binks, anyone?