The Force has certainly played a role in the latest Star Wars trilogy, featuring in J.J. Abrams’ The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, and in Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi, but perhaps Best would prefer an increased level of conversation around it on-screen, and he says that Jedi Temple Challenge will steer the themes of Star Wars back to The Force.
“So with Jedi Temple Challenge, it brings back this idea that we all have levels of connection to the Force, and you can actually grow your connection to the Force and it can become stronger through these trials at this temple,” he explained. “All of those things that Yoda did with Luke Skywalker at Dagobah in the swamp, this is where it was done first. It was in this temple. You got to get good here. I dig that. It’s something I think would be wonderful for kids. Because now there’s a path to this thing…Now there are actual steps you can take to being a strong Jedi. It gives you belief and faith.”
Best was originally cast as Naboo-dwelling Gungun Jar Jar Binks in 1997 after Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace casting director Robin Gurland saw him perform in Stomp. Initially appearing as the interpreter of a Goofy-esque CG personality imagined by director Lucas, Best faced a significant backlash after older audiences responded negatively to Jar Jar’s comic relief hi-jinx, and the character had a significantly-reduced part to play over the next two films in the prequel trilogy.
The actor has discussed the fallout from his appearance in the films as a very painful period in his life. Later, he would reprise the role of Jar Jar Binks during a Star Wars-themed instalments of Robot Chicken, and in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
