When Disney recently released the full cast list for their upcoming Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series, fans were treated to a nostalgic look at some old friends returning to the fold. But one notable exception came in the form of the absence of a certain motor-mouth Gungan. After all, it's difficult to imagine a series about Obi-Wan without giving him at least one last interaction with his old friend Jar Jar Binks.
When a few Star Wars lovers mentioned the omission to long-time Jar Jar Binks performer Ahmed Best on Twitter, the actor confirmed his absence from the show, saying, "Thanks for the love, but I will not be in this series. As much as I would've loved to be a part of it. But I'm ecstatic to see folks who I love dearly back together doing great things." Naturally, fans were disappointed at this news, but the replies to his tweet were largely more supportive than anything, expressing their hope that they still might see the character again someday.
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The casting announcement featured returning faces like Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse, who will most likely be reprising their roles as Owen and Beru from Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Arguably the most notable actor aside from Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan himself, however, is Hayden Christensen, finally fulfilling the long-standing rumor that he would return to play Darth Vader. Other heavy hitters include Silicon Valley's Kumail Nanjiani, Game of Thrones (and Dragon Age: Inquisition) actress Indira Varma, and Sung Kang of the Fast and Furious series.
The absence of Jar Jar Binks may give a clue as to the tone of the upcoming series, as perhaps it might be a touch too serious and somber to bring in an endearingly bumbling comic relief character. Of course, that's just speculation. Nanjiani is certainly adept at playing dramatic roles, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him knock out a few one-liners during his appearances on the show. Besides, even The Mandalorian is able to lighten the mood now and then. That's not even mentioning the fan-favorite theory about Jar Jar Binks actually being a Sith lord, which would very much compromise the entire point of the show if it happened.
Very little is still known about Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, aside from its setting and general timeline. Taking place on Tatooine between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, it looks to be telling a much more grounded and intimate story than previous shows and films. But considering the large number of big names appearing in it, it's difficult to tell for sure just what kind of things will be seen as it progresses. Some fans hope for a second chance at doing justice to Anakin Skywalker's story as Darth Vader, and this seems like the ideal moment for it.
As unfortunate as it may be for some to hear that Best won't be reprising his role as Jar Jar Binks, they can hopefully still take solace in the fact that there's always more Star Wars on the horizon. If not now, he's got plenty of chances to be "bombad" once again.
Obi-Wan Kenobi will be released exclusively on Disney Plus.
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Source: Ahmed Best/Twitter