Star Wars fans celebrated the franchise on May 4th and the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” with its theatrical rerelease. At the grand opening of Bricks and Minifigs, Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) made a surprise appearance. Actor Ahemd Best (Jar Jar Binks) shared his plans to see the rerelease in theaters and discussed the upcoming Star Wars Celebration in Japan.
The film recently released, so Best has not yet seen it in theaters. He plans to attend a screening this weekend to experience the audience’s reception. Best has a complex relationship with the character Jar Jar, having previously shared the significant impact of the backlash he received. However, he is enthusiastic about the character’s resurgence in popularity and its return to the big screen.
“To revive cinema and restore the immersive big screen experience, we need to entice people back to theaters,” Best emphasized. “Theatrical spectacles like ‘Phantom Menace’ were meticulously crafted by George Lucas with a ‘real estate’ approach, placing elements on the screen with specific intent.
Lucas designed ‘Phantom Menace’ specifically for the expansive screen dimensions envisioned. The experience was paramount to him, and he meticulously considered every detail. Beyond his cinephile passion, he’s also a master craftsman, infusing every frame with significance. The screen’s size is integral to conveying the intended impact, as much as the content itself.”
What Is Popup Con?
Popup Con originated prior to the pandemic, stemming from my desire to support niche businesses. Growing up immersed in comic book and toy stores, I developed a deep affinity for the unique cultures surrounding them. The camaraderie and shared passion among patrons at these establishments resonated with me, creating a nostalgic longing that was eventually eclipsed by the advent of large-scale retail stores.
Conventions can be overwhelming, with large crowds and a focus on transactions. However, the speaker prefers smaller, more intimate events where individuals have ample time to connect and interact. The idea behind Popup Con is to host pop-up conventions in niche stores like comic book shops, video stores, and toy stores. This allows attendees to engage with store staff and other attendees in a more relaxed and personalized setting.
Best remains unsure whether he’ll attend Star Wars Celebration Japan in 2025, despite his preference for smaller venues.
Scheduling is the main obstacle preventing me from traveling to Japan. I have a strong desire to visit Japan because of my love for the country.
Stay tuned for more of our Ahmed Best interview.