Ahmed Best Reflects on Pioneering Role as Jar Jar Binks 25 Years Later

Twenty-five years ago, Ahmed Best made history by becoming the first actor to play a main character created through motion-capture technology, Jar Jar Binks, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. However, the character's negative reception led to Best facing severe backlash, including personal attacks, which took a toll on his mental health.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Best shared how the technology behind Jar Jar Binks paved the way for iconic CGI characters, such as Gollum from Lord of the Rings, Na'vi from Avatar, and Thanos and Hulk from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "You can't have Gollum without Jar Jar. You can't have the Na'vi in 'Avatar' without Jar Jar. You can't have Thanos or the Hulk without Jar Jar. I was the signal for the rest of this art form, and I'm proud of Jar Jar for that," Best stated.

Modern-day fans have come to appreciate Jar Jar's contribution to the development of CGI characters, with many acknowledging Best's pioneering role in performance capture. Fans on social media have expressed their admiration for Best's work, with one fan calling him and George Lucas "trailblazers" in the field.

Best's experience with Jar Jar Binks has had a lasting impact on his life. He revealed that the relentless hate from fans left him feeling depressed, but he is now proud of what the character has achieved for cinema. Today, Best is a futurist, educator, martial artist, and writer-director, having overcome the challenges he faced in the past.

As theStar Warsfandom celebrates another Star Wars Day, fans are recognizing the importance of Jar Jar Binks' contribution to modern cinema and acknowledging Ahmed Best's groundbreaking work in motion-capture technology. Best's role as Jar Jar Binks, while initially met with criticism, has undeniably shaped the landscape of digital characters in film,paving the wayfor the iconic CGI creations that have captivated audiences in the years since.

Key Takeaways

• Ahmed Best played Jar Jar Binks, the 1st main character created using motion-capture technology in Star Wars: Episode I.
• Jar Jar's negative reception led to Best facing backlash, affecting his mental health.
• Best's work on Jar Jar paved the way for iconic CGI characters like Gollum, Na'vi, Thanos, and Hulk.
• Modern fans have come to appreciate Jar Jar's contribution to CGI development, acknowledging Best's pioneering role.
• Best has overcome past challenges, becoming a futurist, educator, martial artist, and writer-director.