Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Their work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where they covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
Marvel and Star Wars have confirmed the return of one of the prequel series' most divisive characters.
Per ComicBook.com, Star Wars: Jar Jar will be released in February 2026. Co-written by Ahmet Best, who played Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Jar Jar will be given a chance of redemption in the form of a comic book series. Not much is known about the niche plot details, but it's been disclosed that Jar Jar will team up with Best's character from The Mandalorian, Kelleran Beq.
ComicBook.com shared that "Star Wars: Jar Jar is set to explore what happened to Jar Jar after the prequel movies and explore his pivotal role in the formation of the Rebel Alliance." Marvel offered their own synopsis of the upcoming comics series, which reads "Jar Jar faces the consequences of giving emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine. What pivotal role does Jar Jar play in the formation of the Rebel Alliance? Guest-starring fan-favorite Jedi Knight Kelleran Beq!"
Marvel and Star Wars are no strangers, and have teamed up to publish comics or graphic novels that have built upon the stories told a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars: Jar Jar serves as a fine addition to Marvel's collection of Star Wars-inspired titles, and finally offers up some redemption for a character who was possibly treated too harshly upon their introduction.
What Happened To Ahmed Best?
Image via DisneyJar Jar was met with an intense critical reception, which Best had previously discussed after the prequels were released. Best recounted his mental health struggles following the extreme backlash he received online for simply acting in the role he had earned. Per The Guardian, the TED-produced podcast The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks detailed Best's personal experience of overcoming the unrelenting ridicule from those who detested Jar Jar. "Even before The Phantom Menace was released, Best tuned in to Conan O’Brien one night, only to find a discussion about how his character would ruin the movie," The Guardian reported. "It was terrible,” Best said when addressing the hatred, “It was the lowest I’ve been in my life.” Best was subject to unjust ridicule online, which had taken a toll on the actor's mental well-being.
Decades on, the attitudes towards Best and Jar Jar had shifted. The prequels have been embraced, and Best was later celebrated for his contributions to Star Wars. "Best was invited to appear at a Star Wars convention, given a standing ovation, and was cast as the host of a Star Wars gameshow for kids, playing a Jedi called Kelleran Beq," The Guardian noted in its breakdown of Best's comeback, which has rewarded him in today's day and age. Best's redemption deserves to be celebrated, and he's getting another shot at redeeming Jar Jar, too.
Star Wars: Jar Jar will release on Feb. 11, 2026.
Created by George Lucas
Latest Film Star Wars: Episode XI - The Rise of Skywalker
First TV Show Star Wars: The Mandalorian
English (US) · 