Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best’s untold story of redemption

As a long-time Star Wars enthusiast who has seen the highs and lows of this beloved franchise, I can’t help but be moved by Ahmed Best’s inspiring journey. It’s heartbreaking to see an artist like him suffer through such vitriol and hate, especially when he was just a young man living his dream. The internet, once a beacon of connection and community, often turned into a cesspool of negativity towards him.

Ahmed Best portrayed the character Jar Jar Binks in the 1999 film, “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”, which was the first major “Star Wars” movie since 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”. Almost instantly, Jar Jar Binks received criticism for being poorly written and detrimental to the franchise. Unfortunately, Best also faced backlash as a result. In a podcast titled “The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks”, he shares his personal experiences.

After delivering an outstanding performance with his dance group, he was personally invited by a casting director for an audition at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch the very next day. Overwhelmed with excitement, given his deep affection for Star Wars and acting aspirations, this opportunity seemed like the realization of his long-held dream.

Following the audition, he got chosen to portray Jar Jar Binks in The Phantom Menace, a film that unfolds events preceding the original Star Wars trilogy. Overjoyed, Best found himself expanding his role into a speaking part by proposing a voice he’d developed earlier to amuse his young cousins. Life was looking pretty good. In Naboo dialect, we could say everything was blooming beautifully, much like Millaflowers.

All of a sudden, Best found himself on the film set, sharing screen time with genuine A-list Hollywood stars such as Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, and Ewan McGregor in the movie he had always dreamt of. Interestingly, his role in Jar Jar would significantly influence modern motion capture technology. The work was both satisfying and delightful for him. Unfortunately, Best’s cherished dream turned into a nightmare when advance copies of “The Phantom Menace” began to spread among critics.

The movie faced heavy criticism, with his character being a significant target of the negativity. When Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace premiered in cinemas, the backlash was intense. The Star Wars community swiftly and fiercely voiced their disapproval. It was around this time that internet fandom was growing rapidly, with fans venting their frustration on websites such as JarJarSucks.com or JarJarBinksMustDie.com. Unfortunately, these sites appear to be defunct today.

Due to harsh online harassment, one of the earliest known instances of celebrity doxxing occurred, where Best faced a barrage of personal assaults, death threats, and even the release of his phone number on the internet. The situation became so intimidating that he felt unsafe leaving his home. Regrettably, the role he had envisioned as a career milestone instead marked the lowest point in his life.

Valley to peak

Overwhelmed by waves of hatred, Best contemplated suicide, often standing on the girders of the Brooklyn Bridge at night, pondering how he could retaliate against those who had hurt him by ending his own life. In his mind, he thought, “I’ll prove it to all of you. I’ll show you what you’ve done to me. And when I’m gone, you’ll know the pain I felt.” Fortunately, a strong wind blew, causing him to hold onto a support beam for balance. This unexpected moment made him realize his desire to live, and he descended from the bridge, deciding not to let hatred control his actions.

After that, Best underwent a transformation. He shifted base to Los Angeles, worked on two additional Star Wars films and re-immersed himself in martial arts. He attended film school, welcomed parenthood, and secured roles as a producer and director for his own ventures. Best publicly discussed his mental health struggles within the Star Wars fanbase, which was met with an overwhelming wave of support from newer fans, particularly those who admire the prequels and Jar Jar’s character. Subsequently, another opportunity presented itself.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about how, when director Jon Favreau learned about Temuera Morrison’s remarkable story, he felt compelled to honor this trailblazing actor in a truly special way. In the captivating world of The Mandalorian, Favreau cast Morrison as the green lightsaber-wielding Jedi, Kelleran Beq, in a crucial episode that unveiled his character as a pivotal figure in Grogu’s past – the hero who miraculously saved Baby Yoda’s life.

Ultimately, Ahmed Best fulfilled his long-held Star Wars ambition. “As an artist,” he shared, “I struggled with my self-belief for years, but The Mandalorian provided me with that validation of ‘You were on the right path… It wasn’t you.’

Moving forward, Best plans to devote his time to bonding with his son, honing his skills in martial arts, and remains open to future collaborations within the Star Wars universe. Although reviving the character Jar Jar isn’t ruled out completely, he is more keen on developing Kelleran Beq and merging his passion for martial arts with the allure of a distant galaxy, as he envisions a Star Wars-themed martial arts series akin to John Wick in space.

Jedi John Wick sounds dope. However, the most important takeaway from Best and his story is that you are never hopeless, even when it feels like the world is against you. There are people here that love you and support you. There is so much left for you to do. So much of your life to redefine and explore.

Assistance can be found. For additional details, explore the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website, or call 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Hotline. This hotline offers round-the-clock, free, and confidential help.

Best’s tale serves as an inspiring symbol, and you too are a beacon of light in this world that can sometimes seem gloomy. Regardless if you’re more like Jar Jar or Kelleran Beq, Best’s light illuminates the path for a fresh chapter in the realm of Star Wars. This new phase is characterized by tales of struggle, personal connections, and eventual redemption amidst a universe that’s shattered. Stories that guide us in overcoming our internal battles and creating a more radiant world together.

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2024-11-20 17:41