After years away from the galaxy far, far away, Ahmed Best returns to Star Wars in The Mandalorian with a role no one saw coming-rescuing young Grogu in a flashback that redefines a dark moment from Order 66.
[Ed. note: This piece contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4, “Chapter 20: The Foundling.”]
While The Mandalorian has hinted at Grogu’s past with the Jedi Order in previous seasons, and how he wound up hidden in a backwoods fortress Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) was hired to sack, the show has only told, not shown, until now. In “The Foundling,” we get a whole Grogu flashback to the fall of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Jedi valiantly fall in battle with Clone Troopers, striving to protect the little guy’s hover pod and deliver him to Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, played by none other than Ahmed Best.
Best, of course, is best known for providing voice and movement for Star Wars‘ first completely computer generated main character, Jar Jar Binks. He joins Andy Serkis on the list of Star Wars actors who’ve gotten to use their actual face in a role after bringing life to one of the franchise’s most infamous all-CGI characters.
But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Master Beq! Folks wondering about his backstory can go watch Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, Disney Plus’ 2020 Star Wars-themed game show that was more fun than it had a right to be. It was basically Legends of the Hidden Temple, with Best as Beq and some droid buddies as hosts shepherding padawan duos (kid contestants) through physical and mental trials.
Beq certainly gets an action upgrade, from game show host to dual-wielding combat master – then again, the show did establish that his fighting skills had earned him the nickname of “Sabered Hand.” We don’t know where this plot arc is going, exactly – Beq and Grogu escape on a chromed ship staffed by Naboo security officers, and then the flashback ends.
What did Ahmed Best say about returning as Kelleran Beq
Ahmed Best shared heartfelt reflections on reprising his role as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 4, calling it a deeply emotional return to Star Wars after years away.
Decision to Return
In a StarWars.com interview, Best explained it wasn’t an instant yes, given his “rollercoaster ride of emotions” from past backlash over Jar Jar Binks. He took time to reflect, emphasizing his love for the franchise’s storytelling and mythology, but worried about being an “obstacle.” Ultimately, support from Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni convinced him, making him feel ready despite nerves.
Character Development
Best dove deep into Kelleran Beq, first created for Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. He views Beq as a “journeyman Jedi” turned passionate teacher who helps Padawans grow, infused with his own martial arts background and a unique Force philosophy-like “surfing” its constant ebbs and flows.
Excitement and Hopes
He lit up about wielding lightsabers (“one tenth of one percent of what I can do”) and riding speeders, drawing from his real-life skills. Best hopes fans embrace Beq as believable and intriguing, seeing this as a “new beginning” for his Star Wars legacy, not an end.
What is the backstory of Kelleran Beq in Star Wars Jedi Temple Challenge
Kelleran Beq is a Jedi Master introduced in the 2020 kids’ web series Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, where he serves as the host and overseer of trials for young Padawans.
Role in the Series
Beq guided contestants-real children portraying Padawans-through challenges testing their Jedi skills, wisdom, and knowledge aboard his starship, the Athylia. He worked alongside protocol droid AD-3 and astromech droid LX-R5, ensuring participants advanced only if deemed ready. The series, set before the Clone Wars, emphasized themes of growth and the Force.
Early Backstory
Nicknamed the “Sabered Hand,” Beq earned his reputation during his own Padawan days, forging fond memories of his trials and excelling as a Jedi Vanguard. He later tended to younglings in the Jedi Temple crèche and supervised promotions to higher ranks. This positioned him tragically amid Order 66, as many trainees he oversaw perished.
