Ahmed Best, the actor who played Kelleran Beq inThe Mandalorianand Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy, shared his support forThe Acolytestar Amandla Stenberg.The Acolyteseason 2was recently canceled, which has caused reactions from fans and actors alike.Amandla Stenberg’s reaction toThe Acolyte’s cancelationhas been among the most high-profile, particularly because she pointed out the hatred, bigotry, and negativity she received for her roles. Actors from other areas ofStar Wars, such asJohn Boyega, have voiced support for Stenbergpreviously, and now Ahmed Best is standing in solidarity with her.
In anInstagram post, Best shared his support for Stenberg, saying “I will always stand in solidarity for artists who give 110% to their work and art. Keep shining queen.”
Best has a long history of speaking out on controversies that he feels personally connected to, particularly with regard toStar Wars, so his support for Stenberg isn’t particularly surprising. In the past, Best has spoken out about his experience as a motion capture artist, as a Black actor and the struggles he faced in Hollywood, and more. His support for Stenberg andThe Acolyteis even less surprising when considering his own experiences of racism and hatred from his time inStar Wars.
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Ahmed Best Knows The Dark Side Of Star Wars Too Well
Though he’s now a beloved part ofStar Wars, Ahmed Best had a much rockier introduction to the franchise.He made hisStar Warsdebut inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, where he played the clumsy Gungan Jar Jar Binks. Unfortunately, many viewers at the time absolutely despised Jar Jar for his “childish” brand of humor and “annoying” voice. Unfortunately, some viewers extended that hatred for Jar Jar to Best himself, and unrelentingly harassed him for his role in the film.
The hatred and vitriol Best received for playing Jar Jar had a serious effect on him. Best has mentioned that the backlash fromThe Phantom Menacewas the lowest he ever felt in his life, and that he even briefly considered suicide due to the hatred (viaThe Hollywood Reporter).Luckily, Best has been welcomed in by a new generation ofStar Warsfans, and he was even able to play a live-action Jedi inThe Mandalorian. While Best has been able to come back toStar Wars, he also has much more experience with the hatred fans of the franchise are capable of than he deserves.
On a more hopeful note, Ahmed Best and his support for The Acolyte may be proof that time will heal those wounds, and that those actors will one day be welcomed back into Star Wars with open arms.
Unfortunately, Best is also not alone in his experiences. Several otherStar Warsstars have experienced racism, sexism, and bigotry for being included in the franchise.John Boyega, who played Finn in the sequel trilogy, Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose Tico, Moses Ingram, who played Reva inObi-Wan Kenobi, and now Amandla Stenberg have all been targets of hateful comments and harassment over the years.
On a more hopeful note, Ahmed Best and his support forThe Acolytemay be proof that time will heal those wounds, and that those actors will one day be welcomed back intoStar Warswith open arms.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
