Ahmed Best Reflects on the Jar Jar Binks Backlash Legacy

by Annika May 17, 2024

– Ahmed Best, the actor behind Jar Jar Binks, faced severe backlash and cyberbullying after the release of Star Wars: Episode I, which significantly stalled his acting career.
– Despite pioneering motion-capture performance in a major film, Best’s association with the unpopular character brought personal attacks and death threats, leading him to contemplate suicide and causing professional ostracization.

Ahmed Best Reflects on the Jar Jar Binks Backlash Legacy

Ahmed Best, the actor behind the divisive character Jar Jar Binks in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” has recently shed light on the tremendous personal cost he faced due to the negative reception of the character he brought to life nearly a quarter-century ago. In a poignant exchange as the “Star Wars” prequels reached their 25th anniversary milestone, Best detailed the professional and emotional toll he endured following the 1999 blockbuster.

Jar Jar Binks was a groundbreaking character, not only for his place in the expansive “Star Wars” universe but also for the pioneering technology used to create him. Best’s performance was achieved through early motion capture techniques, establishing him as a forerunner in this aspect of film production. Nonetheless, Best’s innovative contribution to the movie industry was overshadowed by a wave of criticism that targeted both the character and the actor himself.

Best candidly recounted his experiences, highlighting the intense and personal nature of the backlash. As a Black man breaking new ground, he not only faced scrutiny for the character’s unfavorable reception but also for systemic issues that compounded his struggle within the industry. The scorn extended beyond the domain of professional critiques into uncharted territories of online hate and cyberbullying, which Best identifies as some of the earliest instances of this modern plight.

Before the release of “The Phantom Menace,” the anticipation and subsequent harsh judgment crashed down on Best with the weight of the entire “Star Wars” fandom. This momentous backlash not only diminished his achievements but also shaped his personal idea of success and belonging within the industry he loved. Best found himself in an unprecedented situation, where his pioneering role in cinema became a source of profound isolation.

Taking a dramatic toll on his personal well-being, Best has revealed that he contemplated a dire escape from the torrent of negativity that the “Star Wars” role brought upon him. Despite the love from children and the character’s creator, George Lucas, Best often stood alone in the aftermath of the film’s release, his career trajectory dramatically altered by the response to Jar Jar Binks.

The narrative surrounding “The Phantom Menace” has always been tinged with controversy. Over time, perspectives have matured and the conversation has evolved. Notably, Liam Neeson—who portrayed Qui-Gon Jinn—acknowledged not only the undue criticism of the film but also the impact that fan reaction had on Best. He commended Best’s remarkable talent and humor on set, and poignantly lamented the adverse effects the backlash had on his colleague’s career trajectory.

The journey of Ahmed Best is one of resilience in the face of adversity, and his story offers a crucial look at the consequences that performers can face in the world of high-profile entertainment. As fans and professionals reflect upon the experiences of those involved, it becomes increasingly important to foster an environment where critique does not cross into personal attack and where achievements in innovation are celebrated rather than overshadowed by unjust backlash.