Though Order 66 was an attempt to rid theStar Warsgalaxy of Jedi, many still managed to survive. In season 3 ofThe Mandalorian,Grogu’s memories reveal his rescue at the hands of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Now, the upcoming comicStar Wars: Jedi Knightsplans to tell fans more about the mysterious Jedi.
In an in-depth interview with Marc Guggenheim, authorStar Wars: Jedi Knights– which will feature art by Madibek Musabekov – more details about the new anthology series from Marvel Comics were revealed. While the series will feature legendary figures such as Yoda, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu, it will also highlight new and lesser-known characters.
That includes Kelleran Beq, played in his live-actionMandalorianappearance by Ahmed Best, who previouslystarred in the Prequels as Jar Jar Binks, with the hero’s role inJedi Knightsofficially confirmed.
Kelleran Beq’s Cameo In “The Mandalorian” Set The Stage For An Exciting Future In The Star Wars Expanded Universe
His Next Appearance Is Set For TheJedi KnightsComic
Marc Guggenheim offered several tantalizing tidbits about his upcomingStar Wars: Jedi Knights, including the fact that one issue will focus on a brand-new adventure featuring Kelleran Beq. The response toKelleran Beq upon his debut inThe Mandalorian“Chapter 20: The Foundling” was overwhelmingly positive, particularly sincethe role marked Ahmed Best’s return toStar Warssince his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks.Though Beq’s appearance inThe Mandalorianwas short, his impact was substantial, leaving many questions about his character history that the new comic series can explore in further detail.
Star Wars Announces New Series That Will Bridge Return of the Jedi and The Mandalorian
Marvel’s “Star Wars” comics are making their long-awaited jump into the post-Return of the Jedi part of the timeline, filling in gaps in the franchise
In the same interview on “Star Wars Explained,” Guggenheim stated that his upcoming series will delve into individual storylines of different Jedi Knights:
My story is about the Jedi Knights, sort of at the height of their powers, pre-Phantom Menace. The way the book works is [that] it’s a little bit like the old Marvel team-ups where we’ll get different combinations of Jedi in each issue, and each issue is done in one. Each one’s like its own little mini Star Wars movie.
With news of Beq becoming part of Guggenheim’s Jedi roster, the opportunity to learn ’s mysterious savoris an exciting prospect. However, sinceStar Wars: Jedi Knightsis beforeThe Phantom Menace,it is unlikely that fans will get answers surrounding Beq’s appearance during Order 66, which happened duringRevenge of the Sith. Considering Grogu is older than he appears, it’s possible that Beq had an established relationship with the padawan during the comic’s timeline.
Ahmed Best’s Return To Star Wars Made His New Jedi Hero An Instant Fan-Favorite
Kelleran Beq Quickly Became A Beloved Hero
Ahmed Best’s exiting return to theStar Warsuniverse as Beq sent ripples through the fandom,marking one of the most exciting moments of season 3 ofThe Mandalorian.Best has been open about his struggles after portraying Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy, and theintense backlash he receivedfrom fans.In an interview with StarWars.com, Best discussed stepping back intoStar Warsat the invitation of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni:
Honestly, I had to think about it. I’ve been in theStar Warsworld for such a long time and my story is such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. So, coming back toStar Warswasn’t an easy decision for me. It wasn’t something I could have immediately said yes to. I did have to marinate over it for a bit. I mean, I was excited.
I don’t think people really understand how much I care aboutStar Wars. Like, I really care. I really, really care about the storytelling, about the mythology, about the fans. I really wantStar Warsto deliver, and if I become an obstacle to that, then I shouldn’t be in it. I don’t want to be bigger than the story. I don’t want to be bigger than the mythology. I want to contribute, I want to add to it. So it took me a minute. I was still nervous, but it was really Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, and being with them, that made me want to come back.
The reaction to Best’s appearance as Beq proved thatStar Warsfans were just as ready for his return.
For three seasons ofThe Mandalorian, so many questions regardingGrogu’s survival during Order 66swirled. Even after answers were given with Kelleran Beq’s appearance at the Jedi Temple to whisk away Grogu,more questions were generated. Fans still want to know whether Grogu was Beq’s Padawan, or what Beq’s larger role in the Jedi Order was, or where the two went after escaping Coruscant.Though these questions will not be answered inStar Wars: Jedi Knights, the chance to learn more about Beq’s earlier life is highly anticipated.
Star Wars: Jedi Knights#1will be available July 30, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
Sources:StarWarsExplain on X;The Future ofStar WarsComics;Ahmed Best on His Surprise Return as Kelleran Beq inThe Mandalorian
The Mandalorian
“The Mandalorian” is a live-action Star Wars television series set in the post-Empire galaxy, five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.” The series follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin, who becomes the protector of a mysterious child known as Grogu (popularly referred to as “The Child” or “Baby Yoda”). Combining elements of Westerns, samurai films, and classic Star Wars lore, “The Mandalorian” has become a cultural phenomenon, praised for its storytelling, character development, and visual effects.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
