The public's consideration of George Lucas' 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" has dipped and swerved like a roller coaster. Those of us who were alive in 1999 are likely astonished to have witnessed "Phantom Menace" go from being one of the most successful films of all time, to one of the most disappointing franchise movies of all time, to one of the most outwardly hated blockbusters of all time, to one of the most unjustly maligned films of all time, to finally being considered a vital (if clunky) part of a long-running sci-fi saga with its share of highs and lows.
In truth, "The Phantom Menace" is rather bad. Lucas' dialogue is dry and dull, his characters staid and bland. It's the stiffest, most mannered sci-fi blockbuster one might ever see, lacking in personality, wit, humor, fun, or excitement. The story of "The Phantom Menace" infamously surrounds...
In truth, "The Phantom Menace" is rather bad. Lucas' dialogue is dry and dull, his characters staid and bland. It's the stiffest, most mannered sci-fi blockbuster one might ever see, lacking in personality, wit, humor, fun, or excitement. The story of "The Phantom Menace" infamously surrounds...
- 5/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Ahmed Best Returns as Darth Jar Jar Binks in New Lego Star Wars Special - Main Image
The aftermath of Star Wars' May the 4th celebration is bringing more surprises to fans. This week, Lucasfilm announced that a new Lego special set in a galaxy far, far away is hitting Disney+ later this year, and it turns out that a staple character in the prequel trilogy is making a comeback!
Also Read: Frozen Star Josh Gad Campaigns for Major Star Wars Role
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Features Return of Ahmed Best as Darth Jar Jar
Star Wars recently dropped our first look at the upcoming Lego special titled Rebuild the Galaxy starring Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things fame as Sig Greebling.
The four-part animated special's plot is pretty straightforward, and seemingly takes a page from our Marvel Studios' What If...? series, exploring different alternate stories set in the Star Wars franchise.
The aftermath of Star Wars' May the 4th celebration is bringing more surprises to fans. This week, Lucasfilm announced that a new Lego special set in a galaxy far, far away is hitting Disney+ later this year, and it turns out that a staple character in the prequel trilogy is making a comeback!
Also Read: Frozen Star Josh Gad Campaigns for Major Star Wars Role
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Features Return of Ahmed Best as Darth Jar Jar
Star Wars recently dropped our first look at the upcoming Lego special titled Rebuild the Galaxy starring Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things fame as Sig Greebling.
The four-part animated special's plot is pretty straightforward, and seemingly takes a page from our Marvel Studios' What If...? series, exploring different alternate stories set in the Star Wars franchise.
- 5/8/2024
- EpicStream
Lucasfilm unveiled the teaser trailer for its “four-piece” animated special, “Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy” (streaming September 13 on Disney+), where the entire galaxy gets completely mixed up, reversing good and evil.
From showrunners and executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, “Rebuild the Galaxy” concerns nerf-herder Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), who unearths a powerful artifact called The Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple, forcing him to rebuild the twisted galaxy.
The Lucasfilm mashup of Lego sets includes Ewok bounty hunters, Geonosian Jedi, and even Darth Jar Jar. They also snap together Imperial X-fighters, Rebel Tie-wings, and the Dark Falcon.
“Rebuild the Galaxy” marks the 25th year in the ongoing collaboration between Lucasfilm and the Lego Group. A teaser poster has also been released, featuring the “Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy” logo, a starfield comprised of Lego studs, and the Cornerstone.
“The opportunity to work with Lego and Lucasfilm...
From showrunners and executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, “Rebuild the Galaxy” concerns nerf-herder Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), who unearths a powerful artifact called The Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple, forcing him to rebuild the twisted galaxy.
The Lucasfilm mashup of Lego sets includes Ewok bounty hunters, Geonosian Jedi, and even Darth Jar Jar. They also snap together Imperial X-fighters, Rebel Tie-wings, and the Dark Falcon.
“Rebuild the Galaxy” marks the 25th year in the ongoing collaboration between Lucasfilm and the Lego Group. A teaser poster has also been released, featuring the “Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy” logo, a starfield comprised of Lego studs, and the Cornerstone.
“The opportunity to work with Lego and Lucasfilm...
- 5/7/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Disney+ has shared the first teaser trailer for its new "four-piece" animated special, Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy.
Jar Jar Binks remains a divisive character among fans and it's long been theorised (jokingly...we think) that the Gungan was secretly a villain who set out to destroy the Galaxy. That's led to the "Darth Jar Jar" meme which this project is leaning into by finally introducing that version of a character who first debuted way back in 1999's The Phantom Menace.
And yes, Ahmed Best will reprise the role!
In Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling, unearths a powerful artefact from a hidden Jedi temple.
He finds himself thrust into an adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the Galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the...
Jar Jar Binks remains a divisive character among fans and it's long been theorised (jokingly...we think) that the Gungan was secretly a villain who set out to destroy the Galaxy. That's led to the "Darth Jar Jar" meme which this project is leaning into by finally introducing that version of a character who first debuted way back in 1999's The Phantom Menace.
And yes, Ahmed Best will reprise the role!
In Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling, unearths a powerful artefact from a hidden Jedi temple.
He finds himself thrust into an adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the Galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the...
- 5/7/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
While Marvel has been getting plenty of mileage from the multiversal possibilities in exploring alternate worlds, it's not something we've generally seen (at least on screen) in Star Wars' galaxy far, far, away. That changes with new comic animated "four-piece" Lego animated special Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy, in which some very intriguing ideas are finally given free rein. Including – yes! – Darth Jar Jar. Check out the first teaser:
Created by Showrunners and executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, Rebuild The Galaxy, follows what happens when ordinary young nerf-herder Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo) accidentally unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. The ramifications thrust him into a wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are heroes and the fate of it all depends on Sig realizing he's the hero that can put the pieces back together.
Shades of both multiverse tales and The Lego Movie,...
Created by Showrunners and executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, Rebuild The Galaxy, follows what happens when ordinary young nerf-herder Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo) accidentally unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. The ramifications thrust him into a wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are heroes and the fate of it all depends on Sig realizing he's the hero that can put the pieces back together.
Shades of both multiverse tales and The Lego Movie,...
- 5/7/2024
- by James White
- Empire - TV
Jar Jar Binks is one of the more reviled characters in the entire Star Wars franchise, and while he’s largely harmless, some fans wonder if he’s not hiding something darker and more sinister. Some have even theorized that Jar Jar is secretly a Sith Lord, and the new teaser trailer for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy definitely plays into that by giving us… Darth Jar Jar. Check out the teaser below!
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy will find the entire Star Wars Galaxy getting completely mixed up when “an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy will find the entire Star Wars Galaxy getting completely mixed up when “an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.
- 5/6/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The animated TV special “Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy”, directed by Chris Buckley, stars Gaten Matarazzo (“Sig Greebling’), Tony Revolori (‘Dev Greebling’), Bobby Moynihan (‘Jedi Bob’), Marsai Martin (‘Yesi Scala’), Michael Cusack (‘Servo’) and Ahmed Best (‘Darth Jar Jar’), streaming September 13 on Disney +:
“…the entire galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary ‘nerf-herder’ Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden ‘Jedi’ temple.
“ He finds himself thrust into an adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…the entire galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary ‘nerf-herder’ Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden ‘Jedi’ temple.
“ He finds himself thrust into an adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 5/6/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"History will be rebuilt." Get ready for some strange revisionist history in the Star Wars universe! Disney+ has revealed a wacky teaser trailer for their upcoming Sw Special titled Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, showrun by the screenwriters behind last year's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Set for launch in September. A nerf-herder discovers an artifact that twists the Star Wars galaxy, swapping the roles of heroes and villains. He embarks on an adventure to restore order and emerge as the savior who reassembles the fractured galaxy. "You're going to see some things that you never thought possible." This is like Marvel's What If, but for Star Wars – including Ewok bounty hunters, Geonosian Jedi, and, amazingly, Darth Jar Jar voiced by Ahmed Best, along with the Dark Falcon, and much more. The talented voice cast features Gaten Matarazzo, Tony Revolori, Bobby Moynihan, Marsai Martin, Michael Cusack, & Mark Hamill back as Luke Skywalker.
- 5/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
For years, Jar Jar Binks took a beating from "Star Wars" fans who were less than thrilled with the computer generated character's slapstick antics when he debuted in "The Phantom Menace" back in 1999. The bumbling Gungan was so hated that actor Ahmed Best fell into a deep depression. In more recent years, the actor has taken on a new "Star Wars" role as Jedi Kelleran Beq, who rescued "The Mandalorian" bounty Grogu from the Jedi Temple when Order 66 was enacted during the events of "Revenge of the Sith." But soon, Ahmed Best will bring together both Jar Jar Binks and the power of the Force by bringing us a dark side version of the character that finally pays off a ridiculous fan theory.
Despite appearing to be a complete dimwit, there's a popular theory that Jar Jar Binks is actually a brilliant Sith lord, and his antics have all been...
Despite appearing to be a complete dimwit, there's a popular theory that Jar Jar Binks is actually a brilliant Sith lord, and his antics have all been...
- 5/6/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
When the whole Star Wars saga started, the Jedis and the Siths started taking over our lives. And none of us probably thought there would come a day when Lucasfilms would give us a Star Wars movie with Darth Jar Jar. But here we are today, as Disney dropped the trailer for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, and this is exactly what we got!
Darth Jar Jar in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy | Lucasfilm / Disney
The Darth Jar Jar theory is longstanding and amusingly absurd, and still something that makes you think twice. So when fans get an official nod to this absurd theory and see Jar Jar Binks in his Sith version, they are undoubtedly going to be losing their minds. Even if it is lego!
Disney Just Released The Trailer for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
The trailer for an animated special was recently released,...
Darth Jar Jar in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy | Lucasfilm / Disney
The Darth Jar Jar theory is longstanding and amusingly absurd, and still something that makes you think twice. So when fans get an official nod to this absurd theory and see Jar Jar Binks in his Sith version, they are undoubtedly going to be losing their minds. Even if it is lego!
Disney Just Released The Trailer for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
The trailer for an animated special was recently released,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Swagata Das
- FandomWire
“Bring the clown. We want to see the clown. We like it how he juggles glombo shells, or spits fish up in the air and catches them, or how he dances around and falls on his butt.” So demand the orphan children on the planet Naboo, according to an interlude in the post-Return of the Jedi novel Aftermath: Empire’s End by Chuck Wendig.
And the clown acquiesces, happy to find any form of acceptance. “The adults, though,” continues the narrator, “they don’t say much about him. Or to him. And no other Gungans come to see him, either. Nobody even says his name.”
The name, if you haven’t guessed, is Jar Jar Binks. For some Star Wars fans, Empire End presents a fitting end for Jar Jar. After all, he was once one of the most hated characters in pop culture history. But there’s one...
And the clown acquiesces, happy to find any form of acceptance. “The adults, though,” continues the narrator, “they don’t say much about him. Or to him. And no other Gungans come to see him, either. Nobody even says his name.”
The name, if you haven’t guessed, is Jar Jar Binks. For some Star Wars fans, Empire End presents a fitting end for Jar Jar. After all, he was once one of the most hated characters in pop culture history. But there’s one...
- 5/6/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
We got a good feeling about this: Disney+’s latest Star Wars special is revealing Darth Jar Jar.
The trailer (below) for the animated special Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy unveils a menacing Sith Lord version of the much-maligned Gungan character, who was infamously introduced in 1999’s The Phantom Menace.
From the official description, the premise for the special is “the Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.”
That Jar Jar Binks might be have secretly been a villain has been a fan theory for years in...
The trailer (below) for the animated special Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy unveils a menacing Sith Lord version of the much-maligned Gungan character, who was infamously introduced in 1999’s The Phantom Menace.
From the official description, the premise for the special is “the Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together.”
That Jar Jar Binks might be have secretly been a villain has been a fan theory for years in...
- 5/6/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Worlds are colliding (and rebuilding!) in the new trailer for Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy released Monday.
In the upcoming animated special (which will consist of four parts and release Friday, September 13 on Disney+), “the entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (voiced by Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple,” reads the official description. “He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good and the fate of all...
In the upcoming animated special (which will consist of four parts and release Friday, September 13 on Disney+), “the entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (voiced by Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple,” reads the official description. “He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good and the fate of all...
- 5/6/2024
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Today, Disney+ unveiled the teaser trailer and poster for the “four-piece” animated special Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Launching on September 13, the special showcases the longtime collaboration between Lucasfilm and the Danish toy manufacturing company The Lego Group.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been twenty-five years since the ground-breaking collaboration between Lucasfilm and The Lego Group began,” says executive producer James Waugh. “In that time, Lego Star Wars has given our fans the unique power to unlock their imaginations and play with the galaxy’s elements in any way they can conceive… and build.”
Waugh added: “It’s with that playful spirit in mind that we set out to ‘Rebuild the Galaxy’ like never before. Tapping into the comedic genius of Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, two of the most talented comedy writers I’ve had the fortune of working with, we’ve mixed and matched...
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been twenty-five years since the ground-breaking collaboration between Lucasfilm and The Lego Group began,” says executive producer James Waugh. “In that time, Lego Star Wars has given our fans the unique power to unlock their imaginations and play with the galaxy’s elements in any way they can conceive… and build.”
Waugh added: “It’s with that playful spirit in mind that we set out to ‘Rebuild the Galaxy’ like never before. Tapping into the comedic genius of Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, two of the most talented comedy writers I’ve had the fortune of working with, we’ve mixed and matched...
- 5/6/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
As The Phantom Menace marks 25 years since its release, we’re given the chance to reevaluate it. Is it as bad as it seemed back in 1999 or was there just too much anticipation that it couldn’t have possibly lived up to our fantasies? More importantly, what do we make of Jar Jar Binks a quarter-century on? A character mocked and loathed by the bulk of the fanbase for being terribly obnoxious and perhaps racist, Jar Jar Binks became a cultural phenomenon for all the wrong reasons. But he may have had a greater impact than we think…at least according to his portrayer.
Ahmed Best, the guy behind Jar Jar Binks, took a lot of flak for the character, saying the constant criticism “took almost a mortal toll on me. It was too much. It was the first time in my life where I couldn’t see the future.
Ahmed Best, the guy behind Jar Jar Binks, took a lot of flak for the character, saying the constant criticism “took almost a mortal toll on me. It was too much. It was the first time in my life where I couldn’t see the future.
- 5/6/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
‘Star Wars’ Motion Capture/Voice Actor Ahmed Best Recalls The Hatred For His Jar Jar Binks Character
Jar Jar Binks. Invoke the name to any hardcore Star Wars fan and then step back to see the explosion. No one is neutral.
The actor who brought the goofy Gungan character to life, Ahmed Best, had a number of highs and lows attached to his role. Opinions on the character ran hot after his Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace debut 25 years ago.
Best spoke to People about the role. Not all of his memories were fond.
“Everybody came for me,” he recalled. “I’m the first person to do this kind of (motion capture) work, but I was also the first Black person, Black man.”
Best said he was “ostracized” from doing similar motion-capture work in Hollywood because of the widespread criticism his character received at the time.
He was touring with the Stomp dance troupe in 1997 when a casting director offered an audition at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch.
The actor who brought the goofy Gungan character to life, Ahmed Best, had a number of highs and lows attached to his role. Opinions on the character ran hot after his Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace debut 25 years ago.
Best spoke to People about the role. Not all of his memories were fond.
“Everybody came for me,” he recalled. “I’m the first person to do this kind of (motion capture) work, but I was also the first Black person, Black man.”
Best said he was “ostracized” from doing similar motion-capture work in Hollywood because of the widespread criticism his character received at the time.
He was touring with the Stomp dance troupe in 1997 when a casting director offered an audition at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch.
- 5/4/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best opened up about how the backlash he received for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace kept him from wanting to work for years following the 1999 release.
In a conversation with People in honor of the 25th anniversary of the first installment in the Star Wars prequels, Best reflected on how his portrayal of the character marked a major milestone in the film industry but also had its downsides.
Jar Jar Binks was the first character in a live-action film to be created through motion-capture technology, with the actor being the first to play that type of role. However, Best recalled the negative feedback about the character at the time and how he was a target for harassment from the fanbase, which resulted in him stepping back from acting for some time after the project.
“Everybody came for me,” he told the publication.
In a conversation with People in honor of the 25th anniversary of the first installment in the Star Wars prequels, Best reflected on how his portrayal of the character marked a major milestone in the film industry but also had its downsides.
Jar Jar Binks was the first character in a live-action film to be created through motion-capture technology, with the actor being the first to play that type of role. However, Best recalled the negative feedback about the character at the time and how he was a target for harassment from the fanbase, which resulted in him stepping back from acting for some time after the project.
“Everybody came for me,” he told the publication.
- 5/4/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Jar Jar Binks appeared in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999, many hardcore fans of the original trilogy thought that Lucas had gone nuts and that Jar Jar was an insult to the franchise created solely to be kid-friendly, i.e., to attract (new) children to the franchise as well. So what? Jar Jar Binks was definitely the odd one out, but yours truly personally liked the character as an elementary schooler and it really helped liking Star Wars even more, especially since yours truly had seen the original trilogy on television before The Phantom Menace appeared.
Still, the character has remained controversial ever since, and the actor who portrayed him, Ahmed Best, has had a rough time defending his most famous role, which he reprised in many spin-off works. Recently, Best talked to The New York Times and gave us an interesting interpretation of Jar Jar’s importance,...
Still, the character has remained controversial ever since, and the actor who portrayed him, Ahmed Best, has had a rough time defending his most famous role, which he reprised in many spin-off works. Recently, Best talked to The New York Times and gave us an interesting interpretation of Jar Jar’s importance,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire."
The fate of the fallen Jedi Barriss Offee (voiced by Meredith Salenger) has been an enduring mystery after "The Clone Wars" season 5 finale, and the green Mirialan's tumultuous history made her ripe for a continued story in the "Star Wars" universe. Disgruntled by the Jedi Order's involvement in the Clone Wars, the then-padawan bombed the Jedi Temple and framed her bestie Ahsoka Tano (voiced by Ashley Eckstein). Said treachery instigated Ahsoka's departure from the Jedi Order, highlighting the spread of disillusionment within the Order.
As the supervising director of "Clone Wars," Dave Filoni nearly killed off Barriss, but then he cut the scene where she commits a suicide bombing in her Republic jail cell. Considering the lengths Filoni went to keep a secret of "Star Wars Rebels" from the crew, a league of Barriss Truthers saw her as...
The fate of the fallen Jedi Barriss Offee (voiced by Meredith Salenger) has been an enduring mystery after "The Clone Wars" season 5 finale, and the green Mirialan's tumultuous history made her ripe for a continued story in the "Star Wars" universe. Disgruntled by the Jedi Order's involvement in the Clone Wars, the then-padawan bombed the Jedi Temple and framed her bestie Ahsoka Tano (voiced by Ashley Eckstein). Said treachery instigated Ahsoka's departure from the Jedi Order, highlighting the spread of disillusionment within the Order.
As the supervising director of "Clone Wars," Dave Filoni nearly killed off Barriss, but then he cut the scene where she commits a suicide bombing in her Republic jail cell. Considering the lengths Filoni went to keep a secret of "Star Wars Rebels" from the crew, a league of Barriss Truthers saw her as...
- 5/4/2024
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
For a long time, Star Wars fans absolutely hated one character in the prequel trilogy and even launched personal attacks against the actor who played him. Jar Jar Binks, the amphibian-like CGI creature, made his first appearance in The Phantom Menace. Played by Ahmed Best, the character and actor faced severe backlash from fans. However, the character is getting more love from modern-day fans, who recognize the crucial role of the character in developing modern CGI characters.
Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace
Best revealed in an interview, a few days before this year’s Star Wars Day, that the tech behind Jar Jar Binks helped bring several fan-favorite characters onto the screens. For years, Jar Jar took a heavy toll on Best’s life but he is now proud of what the character has achieved for cinema.
Fans Agree That Jar Jar Binks...
Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace
Best revealed in an interview, a few days before this year’s Star Wars Day, that the tech behind Jar Jar Binks helped bring several fan-favorite characters onto the screens. For years, Jar Jar took a heavy toll on Best’s life but he is now proud of what the character has achieved for cinema.
Fans Agree That Jar Jar Binks...
- 5/4/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Star Wars The Phantom Menace: Where Are They Now in 2024 on Film's 25th Anniversary? - Main Image
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
- 5/1/2024
- EpicStream
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace celebrates a major milestone this year, and fans will never forget how the movie created a divisive opinion among its viewers, particularly on the matter of Jar Jar Binks.
Jar Jar Binks
The character was beloved by some and hated by many, and this remains a mystery among the cast and crew. Fans did not like the figure because of his clownish behavior and was too cartoonish for the movie.
Star Wars Actor Liam Neeson Reacted To Jar Jar Binks Issue
In an interview with Empire, Liam Neeson recalled how much he loved working with Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best. He admitted feeling offended after the surge of backlash on the character and the actor.
“Ahmed was so funny and inventive. Myself and Ewan were personally hurt and offended by the critical reaction to the character.”
Suggested“I want this to...
Jar Jar Binks
The character was beloved by some and hated by many, and this remains a mystery among the cast and crew. Fans did not like the figure because of his clownish behavior and was too cartoonish for the movie.
Star Wars Actor Liam Neeson Reacted To Jar Jar Binks Issue
In an interview with Empire, Liam Neeson recalled how much he loved working with Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best. He admitted feeling offended after the surge of backlash on the character and the actor.
“Ahmed was so funny and inventive. Myself and Ewan were personally hurt and offended by the critical reaction to the character.”
Suggested“I want this to...
- 4/24/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Has it been that long? George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is getting a 25th anniversary re-release by Disney on May 3. That’s in time to celebrate Star Wars day, May the 4th.
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: This article deals with heavy topics related to mental illness.
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Ahmed Best is known for his iconic role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars movies including The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith, but he’s more than that. Best is a versatile actor, musician, and creator and his talents go beyond just this role.
Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahmed Best in The Mandalorian
Now, it’s reported that the 50-year-old actor might be joining another Star Wars project. It seems he’s being pulled back into the franchise despite past controversies and the abuse he faced.
Suggested“Such a downgrade”: Fans Revolt Against Denis Villeneuve Directing a Star Wars Film After Dune: Part Two’s Epic Success
Ahmed Best Revisits Star Wars Amidst Controversial Circumstances
Disney might be working on another Star Wars project, after Ahmed Best gave an update about his involvement in it.
Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks,...
Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahmed Best in The Mandalorian
Now, it’s reported that the 50-year-old actor might be joining another Star Wars project. It seems he’s being pulled back into the franchise despite past controversies and the abuse he faced.
Suggested“Such a downgrade”: Fans Revolt Against Denis Villeneuve Directing a Star Wars Film After Dune: Part Two’s Epic Success
Ahmed Best Revisits Star Wars Amidst Controversial Circumstances
Disney might be working on another Star Wars project, after Ahmed Best gave an update about his involvement in it.
Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Shreya Jha
- FandomWire
Back in 1999, no cinema event was as hotly anticipated as the return of Star Wars. Thus the prequel trilogy began, unfolding George Lucas’ epic tragedy – vastly expanding the galaxy that fans loved, while pioneering the future of digital production. Now, to celebrate 25 years of the prequels, Empire presents an epic new look back at the trilogy that changed everything – packed with brand new interviews, rarely-seen concept art, and explorations of the greatest set pieces.
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of George Lucas' mediocre mega-hit "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." One cannot understate the enormity of this film's release back in 1999; there were news stories for months postulating its content and what its success levels might be. People camped out for weeks wanting to be the first to buy tickets. When the film's trailer was released, people would pay a full ticket price to watch it and then leave before the feature it preceded. Others would watch the trailer online, but in the days before streaming technology, this took several hours of dial-up-supported downloading.
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
- 2/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Star Wars Prequel Cast Revisits The Trilogy 25 Years Later In Empire’s Anniversary Issue – Exclusive
Back in 1999, a brand new era in the galaxy far, far away came to life. George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels told an epic tale of fallen Jedi, forbidden romance, and the dismantling of democracy – assembling a whole new cast to inhabit his vast space-opera. The stars who entered that sandbox took a bold step, not only working at the frontier of digital filmmaking techniques, but conjuring a Star Wars saga that stood apart visually and tonally from the beloved originals. The likes of Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson and Ian McDiarmid became an entire generation’s set of Star Wars heroes (and villains) – and they all spoke to Empire for our epic new issue, celebrating 25 years of the trilogy.
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Sometimes it seemed like Carl Weathers could do anything. The football star-turned-actor also directed a fair number of television episodes (including two episodes of "The Mandalorian") and worked as a producer, extending his experience into all parts of entertainment. He worked with an incredible range of talent and touched many lives even beyond those he interacted with directly, making his passing a massive blow to anyone who loves movies or TV. The absolute titan sadly died yesterday at the age of 76, and many of the people who he worked with and who were inspired by him took to social media to share their feelings about the late, great man.
The outpouring of love included words from co-stars like Pedro Pascal and Jesse Ventura, along with regular collaborators like Adam Sandler, whom Weathers worked with on movies like "Happy Gilmore," "Little Nicky," and "Eight Crazy Nights." There's a Carl Weathers-shaped hole in the world,...
The outpouring of love included words from co-stars like Pedro Pascal and Jesse Ventura, along with regular collaborators like Adam Sandler, whom Weathers worked with on movies like "Happy Gilmore," "Little Nicky," and "Eight Crazy Nights." There's a Carl Weathers-shaped hole in the world,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Carl Weathers, the legendary actor known for his roles in movies like "Rocky" and "Predator," has only just passed away at the age of 76. Though not talked about nearly as much as his on-screen work, Weathers was also an accomplished director and called the shots on many shows during his decades-long career, including "Hawaii Five-o" and "Law & Order." In recent years, he's played Greef Karga on the "Star Wars" TV show "The Mandalorian." Even then, however, Lucasfilm made use of his talents behind the camera as well, with Weathers directing not one but two episodes documenting the galactic adventures of Mando and Grogu.
Most recently, Weathers directed an episode titled "The Foundling," which aired as part of the show's third season in 2023. Speaking to Hype Beast after the episode premiered, the actor-turned-director explained his approach to directing specifically in the "Star Wars" universe," which is no small thing. In short?...
Most recently, Weathers directed an episode titled "The Foundling," which aired as part of the show's third season in 2023. Speaking to Hype Beast after the episode premiered, the actor-turned-director explained his approach to directing specifically in the "Star Wars" universe," which is no small thing. In short?...
- 2/2/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Will "Star Wars Detours", the unaired, 52-episode CG-animated comedy TV series, produced by Lucasfilm and "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, ever stream on Disney+ ?:
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 12/23/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
We take CGI for granted these days. It seems the only time we notice it is when something is wrong. If you get into acting in 2023, you know that there is a strong likelihood that you'll be working in front of a screen, imagining characters that aren't there and scenery that you can't really see. It's a very specific skill, trying to make people believe that you, too, can see what the audience is seeing. When "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" (1999) was filming, however, star Natalie Portman, who played Padmé Amidala, hadn't had much experience with it at all.
This amount of work in front of a blue screen added a lot of issues that she hadn't dealt with in the industry before. To be fair, "The Phantom Menace" had a lot more CGI than most films at the time. Whether you believe that was to the...
This amount of work in front of a blue screen added a lot of issues that she hadn't dealt with in the industry before. To be fair, "The Phantom Menace" had a lot more CGI than most films at the time. Whether you believe that was to the...
- 12/10/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The "Star Wars" prequels bring up a lot of things for people. Some grew up with the original trilogy and didn't love the backstory for Darth Vader. Others saw their first "Star Wars" film with "The Phantom Menace" and fell in love with the franchise because of it. Whatever side you fall on, or even if you rest somewhere in the middle, there are a few parts of the prequels that are largely considered problematic. Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best was bullied to an insane degree, though he did return as Jedi Kelleran Beq in "The Mandalorian" season 3 to much admiration. Then there is Watto (Andrew Secombe), the Toydarian who ran a second-hand shop in Mos Espa on Tatooine, and forced the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work for him.
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Before the "Star Wars" prequels came out, people were really excited to get the backstory of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). I certainly was. While I'm not a huge prequel fan, there were some really fascinating story points in there, and between those three films and the animated series "The Clone Wars," many of us know more about Anakin's story than any other character in the history of the galaxy far, far away.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
- 10/7/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The following article contains spoilers for "The Mandalorian" season 3.
Whether you were a fan of the "Star Wars" prequel character Jar Jar Binks or one of his original critics, your heart was probably lifted when you saw actor Ahmed Best in the third season of "The Mandalorian." By now, most of us know that Best went through absolute hell because of his portrayal of the Gungan senator in the prequels, leading him to consider suicide.
The character was hit with complaints that he was racially insensitive, subservient to white characters, and using a speech pattern that enforced these stereotypes. When Best posted about his harrowing experience, according to a feature in The Guardian about the new podcast "The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks," fans rallied around him. He was given the persona of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq and hosted the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."
In the feature,...
Whether you were a fan of the "Star Wars" prequel character Jar Jar Binks or one of his original critics, your heart was probably lifted when you saw actor Ahmed Best in the third season of "The Mandalorian." By now, most of us know that Best went through absolute hell because of his portrayal of the Gungan senator in the prequels, leading him to consider suicide.
The character was hit with complaints that he was racially insensitive, subservient to white characters, and using a speech pattern that enforced these stereotypes. When Best posted about his harrowing experience, according to a feature in The Guardian about the new podcast "The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks," fans rallied around him. He was given the persona of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq and hosted the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."
In the feature,...
- 9/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
It may be difficult for anyone under 30 to imagine, but humanity once went 16 years without a new "Star Wars" movie. Yes, there were books and comic books and video games, but the series' official canon basically ended in 1983 with "Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi." Why the long gap? The franchise's creator, George Lucas, was determined to wait until CGI advanced to a level where he could seamlessly blend visual effects with practical sets and locations. Once that time arrived, he began pre-production on "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." And it wasn't long before word got out that he was creating a 100 percent CG character that would interact with the film's flesh-and-blood actors.
That character was, of course, Jar Jar Binks, who would go on to become the lightning rod for everything "Star Wars" fans found lacking in the 1999 blockbuster. Some folks hated the character so much,...
That character was, of course, Jar Jar Binks, who would go on to become the lightning rod for everything "Star Wars" fans found lacking in the 1999 blockbuster. Some folks hated the character so much,...
- 8/27/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
With an audience that knows every nook and cranny of the Star Wars franchise, executive producer and director Deborah Chow took on a monumental challenge by agreeing to continue the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) in between the prequel and original trilogies. Development of the McGregor-led project had already become its own saga, beginning in 2017, with Stephan Daldry tackling a stand-alone Obi-Wan film. In 2019, when the feature evolved into a limited series for Disney+, Chow stepped in for Daldry, shepherding the project through numerous rewrites and Covid restrictions until cameras finally rolled in spring 2021.
Director Deborah Chow
Once Chow signed on, the series’ biggest surprise was already in the works, as the kidnapping of 10-year-old Leia Organa would compel Obi-Wan to depart Tatooine, leaving young Luke Skywalker temporarily unprotected. It also was essential to Chow and McGregor that Christensen get a second bite...
Director Deborah Chow
Once Chow signed on, the series’ biggest surprise was already in the works, as the kidnapping of 10-year-old Leia Organa would compel Obi-Wan to depart Tatooine, leaving young Luke Skywalker temporarily unprotected. It also was essential to Chow and McGregor that Christensen get a second bite...
- 8/16/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain," Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) declares in "The Dark Knight." Well, when it comes to George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, it's the opposite. In an era of cookie-cutter tentpoles that refuse to take risks or say anything meaningful about the real world, many "Star Wars" fans have formed a newfound (if somewhat begrudging) respect for Lucas' idiosyncratic prequel films. That reappraisal extends to those who acted in Lucas' films, perhaps none more so than Jar Jar Binks performer Ahmed Best.
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
- 8/14/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The actor who played Jar Jar Binks has revealed the devastating personal toll of fans’ hatred of his Star Wars character.
Ahmed Best thought all his dreams had come true when he was plucked from obscurity to play the gregarious creature in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.
Best had been performing in a percussive dance troupe when he was selected to audition, but his lifelong dream had been to appear in a Star Wars movie… until the reality.
The actor told the UK’s Guardian newspaper how the wrath of the fans – who took against both the character and him – left him depressed and even, at one point, standing on the Brooklyn Bridge and considering taking his own life.
Best told the paper, he thought, “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone,...
Ahmed Best thought all his dreams had come true when he was plucked from obscurity to play the gregarious creature in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.
Best had been performing in a percussive dance troupe when he was selected to audition, but his lifelong dream had been to appear in a Star Wars movie… until the reality.
The actor told the UK’s Guardian newspaper how the wrath of the fans – who took against both the character and him – left him depressed and even, at one point, standing on the Brooklyn Bridge and considering taking his own life.
Best told the paper, he thought, “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone,...
- 7/29/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahmed Best was overjoyed when cast as Star Wars’s Jar Jar Binks – until the threats of violence began. As a podcast tells his story, he talks about hate, making movie history and a glorious comeback in The Mandalorian
One foggy night at 3am, the actor who plays Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars found himself clinging to the edge of Brooklyn Bridge. An instant ago, he had been on the public walkway, but now he was teetering on its brink. As the breeze blew around him, he gazed out at the Statue of Liberty. He saw the river below, and as he hung precariously above a 39m drop, one thing kept going through his mind: “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone, then you’ll feel exactly what I went through.”
This is the lowest...
One foggy night at 3am, the actor who plays Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars found himself clinging to the edge of Brooklyn Bridge. An instant ago, he had been on the public walkway, but now he was teetering on its brink. As the breeze blew around him, he gazed out at the Statue of Liberty. He saw the river below, and as he hung precariously above a 39m drop, one thing kept going through his mind: “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone, then you’ll feel exactly what I went through.”
This is the lowest...
- 7/28/2023
- by Alexi Duggins
- The Guardian - Film News
Lando Calrisian: charmer, administrator, pirate. The Baron Administrator turned Rebel has worn many hats over his distinguished life, but Television Star is yet to be determined. Despite plans to launch a Disney+ series spinning out the prequel movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, with Donald Glover reprising his take on the character that Billy Dee Williams originated, the series faces an uncertain future.
Speaking with The Direct, writer and producer Justin Simien offered a disappointing update on the show’s plans. The Lando series was first announced in a December 2020 investors’ day call, with Dear White People creator Simien attached to write and produce. As recently as Star Wars Celebration in April, Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy assured viewers that the series was still happening.
But Simien’s latest statement paints another picture: “I don’t know, I have no idea what’s going on with it,” he told The Direct...
Speaking with The Direct, writer and producer Justin Simien offered a disappointing update on the show’s plans. The Lando series was first announced in a December 2020 investors’ day call, with Dear White People creator Simien attached to write and produce. As recently as Star Wars Celebration in April, Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy assured viewers that the series was still happening.
But Simien’s latest statement paints another picture: “I don’t know, I have no idea what’s going on with it,” he told The Direct...
- 7/18/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Might Natalie Portman be the next former “Star Wars” actor to return to the galaxy far, far away? The Oscar-winning star – who could be a Best Actress contender again in 2024 thanks to her new film “May December” – recently told GQ she’d be “open” to a “Star Wars” return.
“I have no information on this,” Portman said in response to a fan comment in the GQ video. “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.”
Starting in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” Portman played Padme Amidala, the Queen of Naboo and a senator in the Galactic Senate. Padme had a lengthy romantic relationship with Anakin Skywalker (played as an adult in “Episode II” and “Episode III” by Hayden Christensen) and was the mother of Luke and Leia. She died shortly after giving birth to the twins due to a broken heart...
“I have no information on this,” Portman said in response to a fan comment in the GQ video. “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.”
Starting in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” Portman played Padme Amidala, the Queen of Naboo and a senator in the Galactic Senate. Padme had a lengthy romantic relationship with Anakin Skywalker (played as an adult in “Episode II” and “Episode III” by Hayden Christensen) and was the mother of Luke and Leia. She died shortly after giving birth to the twins due to a broken heart...
- 5/23/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
"Star Wars Detours", the unaired, 52-episode CG-animated comedy TV series, produced by Lucasfilm and "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, will stream in 2023 on Disney+ :
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/9/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
This post contains spoilers for season 3 of "The Mandalorian."
Season 3 of "The Mandalorian" ended on a glorious note. The Mandalorians were able to reclaim their home planet, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) was defeated, and our favorite father-son duo, Din (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu even got their own little home in Nevarro. Despite assuming an often directionless, meandering pace, season 3 of the show had some impressive highlights, including a flashback to Order 66 from Grogu's point of view. When The Armorer (Emily Swallow) forges Grogu a beskar rondel, the kid has some intense flashbacks to the fateful night, and it is revealed that Jedi master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best) was the one who saved him during the purge at the Jedi temple.
This begs the question, was Grogu ever at the risk of running into Anakin Skywalker, who had already turned to the Dark Side by then? As Anakin was the one...
Season 3 of "The Mandalorian" ended on a glorious note. The Mandalorians were able to reclaim their home planet, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) was defeated, and our favorite father-son duo, Din (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu even got their own little home in Nevarro. Despite assuming an often directionless, meandering pace, season 3 of the show had some impressive highlights, including a flashback to Order 66 from Grogu's point of view. When The Armorer (Emily Swallow) forges Grogu a beskar rondel, the kid has some intense flashbacks to the fateful night, and it is revealed that Jedi master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best) was the one who saved him during the purge at the Jedi temple.
This begs the question, was Grogu ever at the risk of running into Anakin Skywalker, who had already turned to the Dark Side by then? As Anakin was the one...
- 5/7/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Over on Disney+, The Mandalorian Season 3 has just wrapped up. Once again we got to see Din and Grogu set out on numerous adventures within the Star Wars universe. This time they set out to finally reunite all the Mandalorians that had split into different factions and even return them to their rightful home of Mandalore. As usual, this season was jam-packed with all sorts of references and Mandalorian Easter Eggs. What did you end up missing?
WArning!!!! There will be spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3 and previous Mandalorian seasons!
Purrgil Space Whales
When Din jumps to hyperspace Grogu gets to see what it looks like out in space during travel. Within the lights and clouds of this super fast travel, we can see some shadows of what looks like some sort of animals traveling along hyperspace. These creatures are known as Purrgil. They are sort...
WArning!!!! There will be spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3 and previous Mandalorian seasons!
Purrgil Space Whales
When Din jumps to hyperspace Grogu gets to see what it looks like out in space during travel. Within the lights and clouds of this super fast travel, we can see some shadows of what looks like some sort of animals traveling along hyperspace. These creatures are known as Purrgil. They are sort...
- 4/29/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
No film in the history of the motion picture medium has ever been burdened by a more crushing weight of expectations than "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace." The original trilogy of movies that kicked off with 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope" had their roots in the try-anything era of New Hollywood. The studios were chasing trends and taking risks, trying to replicate the blockbuster success of "The Exorcist," "The Godfather" and, most importantly, "Jaws."
George Lucas' "Star Wars" was a box-office rainmaker. It is still the highest-grossing domestic movie of all time (adjusted for inflation). It revolutionized the film business at every level. The merchandising, the franchising ... everything that drives the industry today was pioneered by and ripped off from "Star Wars."
On an emotional level, just about every Gen X-er on the planet had been dreaming of Lucas' promised prequel trilogy since they walked...
George Lucas' "Star Wars" was a box-office rainmaker. It is still the highest-grossing domestic movie of all time (adjusted for inflation). It revolutionized the film business at every level. The merchandising, the franchising ... everything that drives the industry today was pioneered by and ripped off from "Star Wars."
On an emotional level, just about every Gen X-er on the planet had been dreaming of Lucas' promised prequel trilogy since they walked...
- 4/16/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There has been a lot of discussion about the Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks from the prequel trilogy lately. Especially with Jar Jar actor Ahmed Best returning to the universe as Jedi Kelleran Beq, who saved Grogu from Order 66 in "The Mandalorian." Jar Jar was an unpopular character, and cruel Star Wars viewers who made fun of the role — and Best for playing him — almost drove the actor to take his own life. It was wonderful to see his return. Some people are reexamining that role, as well as the increasingly toxic nature of fandom in general.
Critique is something filmmakers have to deal with as part of the job. It's always a risk when you put yourself out there as an actor, a writer, a creator, or a director. Your work will be reviewed, and not everyone is going to love what you made. Still, even before the days of social media,...
Critique is something filmmakers have to deal with as part of the job. It's always a risk when you put yourself out there as an actor, a writer, a creator, or a director. Your work will be reviewed, and not everyone is going to love what you made. Still, even before the days of social media,...
- 4/15/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Season 3 of The Mandalorian is treating fans to several exciting Easter eggs and nods to the wider Star Wars universe. One particular Easter egg in Episode 5, “Chapter 21: The Pirate,” harks back to Return of the Jedi and features a creature that many fans will recognize.
Pedro Pascal attends an event for ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3. I Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney A familiar ‘Star Wars’ creature helps the Mandalorians during the battle with pirates on Nevarro
In The Mandalorian Season 3 episode, “The Pirate,” Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) convinces his tribe of Mandalorians to help defend Nevarro against the Pirate King Gorian Shard’s (Nonso Anozie) forces. With the promise of new land and homes, the bounty hunters team up to take down the pirates.
During the battle, a creature in the trees — a group of whom were shot at for fun by Gorian Shard’s henchmen in the first...
Pedro Pascal attends an event for ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3. I Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney A familiar ‘Star Wars’ creature helps the Mandalorians during the battle with pirates on Nevarro
In The Mandalorian Season 3 episode, “The Pirate,” Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) convinces his tribe of Mandalorians to help defend Nevarro against the Pirate King Gorian Shard’s (Nonso Anozie) forces. With the promise of new land and homes, the bounty hunters team up to take down the pirates.
During the battle, a creature in the trees — a group of whom were shot at for fun by Gorian Shard’s henchmen in the first...
- 4/11/2023
- by Mishal Ali Zafar
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Those who were alive in 1999 will be able to recall the tremendous drama surrounding the release of George Lucas' "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." It was perhaps one of the most anticipated films of all time, with some audience members camping out on sidewalks for days, waiting to get tickets (a necessity in a time prior to internet ticket sales). Before streaming technology was widely available (YouTube didn't debut until 2005), people used their dial-up modems to download the "Phantom Menace" trailer, a practice that took the better part of a day. The film bow to respectful, if modest, applause from critics.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
- 4/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
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