Kelleran Beq

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"Everything's gonna be all right, kid."
―Kelleran Beq to Grogu[5]

Kelleran Beq, nicknamed the "Sabered Hand," was a human male Jedi Master who served in the Jedi Order. He was often assisted by the protocol droid AD-3 and the astromech droid LX-R5, and served aboard the starship Athylia. In 22 BBY, Master Beq worked in the Jedi crèche, tending to the younglings of the temple. During Operation: Knightfall, Beq successfully escaped the Jedi Temple with the aid of sympathetic Royal Naboo Security Forces members, fleeing Coruscant with the youngling Grogu.

Biography

Training Jedi

"By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, you are now Jedi Knights."
―Kelleran Beq[7]
Kelleran Beq at the helm of the Athylia

Kelleran Beq at the helm of the Athylia

Kelleran Beq was a Jedi Master who supervised Padawans as they went through their Jedi Trials. He was assisted by the protocol droid AD-3 and the astromech droid LX-R5.[8] Beq had served aboard the starship Athylia.[4] The Jedi Master had fond memories of his Jedi Trials and earned the nickname the "Sabered Hand" during his time as a Padawan.[9] Beq was also considered a Jedi Vanguard.[10]

Directly after the knighting ceremony that took place after the First Battle of Geonosis, Obi-Wan Kenobi instructed the newly knighted Jedi Iskat Akaris to guide the younglings back to the crèche, where they were receiving training from Beq. Upon their arrival at the crèche however, they found that Beq had still yet to arrive, thereby leading Akaris to lead their training for a certain amount of time until Beq finally arrived to take over from Akaris.[11]

Great Jedi Purge

Kelleran Beq helps Grogu escape from the Jedi Temple during the Great Jedi Purge.

Kelleran Beq helps Grogu escape from the Jedi Temple during the Great Jedi Purge.

During Operation: Knightfall of the Great Jedi Purge, Beq waited for the youngling Grogu,[5] who was one of his students,[6] to arrive in an elevator. As the elevator door opened, Beq with his lightsaber already ignited told Grogu that he was there to save the youngling. Beq picked up another lightsaber from another fallen Jedi and used it to his advantage as he protected Grogu. They were quickly ambushed by several clone troopers of the 501st Legion but the Jedi Master managed to deflect the oncoming blaster fire and Force pushed a clone trooper off the edge of the temple. As more reinforcements arrived, Beq and Grogu rushed to a BARC speeder and fled the Jedi Temple.[5]

While in the skies of Coruscant, Beq and Grogu were chased by several Republic LAAT/i gunships. Beq warned Grogu that it was going to be rough after one of the the gunships managed to hit the engine of the speeder. Trying to flee the gunships, Beq flew inside a hovertrain tunnel, though a hovertrain soon approached the two going from the opposite direction of the tunnel. Beq made a turn to avoid collision while the train crashed into a pursuing gunship and flew into a station which led to Monument Plaza. As they continued to fly off, Beq told Grogu to not worry and that they were going to meet some of his friends before adding that it was going to be a bumpy landing. They reached the platform, but Beq fell off the speeder as they landed. The Jedi Master then got back up and opened the hovering pram to check if Grogu was alright.[5]

Kelleran Beq and Grogu jump into hyperspace as they flee from Coruscant.

Kelleran Beq and Grogu jump into hyperspace as they flee from Coruscant.

Beq was then greeted by the sympathetic Royal Naboo Security Forces aboard a small Naboo yacht. One of the guards asked about the other Jedi to which Beq responded there were no others left. Their conversation was cut short as a gunship landed on the platform and both clone troopers and clone shock troopers started to move out and shoot. The guard told Beq to take the ship and that it was fueled and ready to go, while the guards of the Royal Naboo Security Forces bought some time for their escape. Beq and Grogu entered the yacht and the Jedi Master quickly started the ship. Two V-wing starfighters soon approached them from the sky and started to shoot as Beq took off from the platform. As they left Coruscant and entered space, Beq immediately jumped into hyperspace.[5]

Personality and traits

Kelleran Beq was a human male with dark skin and black hair.[8] According to AD-3, Beq was "halfway through his lifespan."[12] While Beq was on friendly terms with his servant droid AD-3, the latter was envious of his Force powers since she lacked them as a droid.[13] AD-3 repeatedly teased Beq about him using his Force powers to close doors and lift rocks.[14][15] Beq was devoted to his student Grogu and his survival.[6]

Powers and abilities

Jedi Master Kelleran Beq wielded a green lightsaber.

Jedi Master Kelleran Beq wielded a green lightsaber.

Beq was a highly skilled Jedi[3] Master.[8] His skills with lightsabers earned him the nickname "Sabered Hand."[9] Beq had the habit of reminding AD-3 about his nickname, much to her annoyance.[15] Beq was proficient at Jar'Kai, being able to wield two lightsabers at once, notably doing so during the siege of the Jedi Temple to kill the Clone Troopers coming after him and the youngling he defended.[5]

As a Jedi, Beq was able to use the Force, which he used to levitate rocks.[8] He also used the Force to fling a clone trooper off a ledge while protecting Grogu.[5] Beq could also communicate with the Force.[16]

Equipment

Kelleran Beq owned a green-bladed lightsaber, which he used to defend himself and Grogu against the Clone troopers of the 501st Legion.[5]

Behind the scenes

Jedi Temple Challenge

"I think what's the most important about the representation of someone like Kelleran Beq as far as being a person of color and the leader of this Temple—kind of like the Dean of Jedi—is it breaks down what's possible. It breaks down what you can do, and creates just a brand new world of possibilities out there."
―Ahmed Best describing his character Kelleran Beq[17]
Kelleran Beq in Jedi Temple Challenge.

Kelleran Beq in Jedi Temple Challenge.

Kelleran Beq is a character created for Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. He is portrayed by Ahmed Best, who also portrayed Jar Jar Binks. In an interview with Anthony Carboni on The Star Wars Show, Best stated that the showrunners Steve Blank and Scott Bromley, and executive producers Christine Beebe and Mickey Capoferri, had given him considerable flexibility in developing Kelleran Beq's histories, mannerisms, and even lightsaber color. Best confirmed that Beq was related to Achk Med-Beq, whom he had portrayed in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, though no canonical source has confirmed the relation.[4]

Best also revealed his character's nickname of the "Sabered Hand" ahead of its mention in the series,[18] though this would be referred to in-universe with "the" uncapitalised.[7] During an interview with Kristin Baver, Best confirmed that Beq's purple lightsaber color was an intended homage to Jedi Master Mace Windu.[17] Upon appearing in Star Wars: The Mandalorian's "Chapter 20: The Foundling," however, Beq's lightsaber sported a green blade.[5] He also stated that other aspects of Beq's character were inspired by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and the Shaolin monks from Best's childhood favorite kung fu movies. Best described Beq as the first Jedi dedicated to teaching, adding that he had been inspired by Kenobi and Yoda's nurturing kind of mentorship.[17]

Best posted on Twitter that the pieces of Beq's lightsaber are pieces that are available to everyone at Savi's Workshop and said that his philosophy when it comes to teaching is that all types of learning should be accessible to everyone, even lightsaber learning. Best has said that at Kelleran Beq's core he is a teacher and that part of the rationale behind this was his desire for Beq to be relatable to the audience rather than apart from them.[19]

The return in The Mandalorian

"I mean, I was excited. I don't think people really understand how much I care about Star Wars. Like, I really care. I really, really care about the storytelling, about the mythology, about the fans. I really want Star Wars to 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."
―Ahmed Best on Kelleran Beq's return[6]
Kelleran Beq's updated look in The Mandalorian.

Kelleran Beq's updated look in The Mandalorian.

An interview with the StarWars.com Team revealed that Best took some consideration when he was asked to reprise his role as the Jedi Master because of his harsh past with the franchise. Best stated that he was excited, but it was not something that he could immediately give an answer to. However, the support by the show's creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni convinced him to come back.[6]

Similarly, just like on Jedi Temple Challenge, Best was a creative partner in developing Kelleran Beq for The Mandalorian. He worked closely with costume designer Shawna Trpcic, they incorporated elements such as Best's tribal tattoos and Afrofuturist symbols into the outfit's gold detailing. In addition, Best developed his own view and understanding on what the Force is for Kelleran Beq, and also developed a unique fighting technique inspired by Bruce Lee and "the style of the unknown." Building on the backstory he had created for Kelleran Beq in Jedi Temple Challenge, Best viewed the Jedi Master as a celebration of teaching.[6] Beq secured a fan-favorite status[20] since his appearances in The Mandalorian and Jedi Temple Challenge.[6]

The reference to Beq[21] in the 2023 novel Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson[11] was added very late into the book's production[22] after his appearance in The Mandalorian. According to editor Tom Hoeler, the reference helps to layer Beq into life at the Jedi Temple.[21] Hoeler stated that the reference was added via the team "rushing back through the manuscript" in order to find a place for it.[22] Kelleran Beq was also introduced as a playable character of the same name in the 2015 mobile game Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes in 2023, which features characters and ships from both the canon and Legends continuities.[23]

The world of comics

"I have been speechless about this since I was told about it, but to actually see #kelleranbeq in the pages of @marvel comics has been overwhelming. I have been a huge #marvelcomics fan for decades. My love of reading and learning and making movies started in the pages of @marvel. If the young comic nerd that I was, could imagine a character that he created would be beloved in the lore of his favorite movies, he would be so proud. I am so grateful that @Starwars and @marvel have embraced #jedi #master #kelleranbeq."
―Ahmed Best discusses Kelleran Beq appearing in comics via Instagram[24]
Ahmed Best celebrates the release of Jedi Knights 8 and its inclusion of Kelleran Beq.

Ahmed Best celebrates the release of Jedi Knights 8 and its inclusion of Kelleran Beq.

Kelleran Beq made his comic debut within a Force vision in the first issue of the ongoing series Star Wars: Jedi Knights,[25] which was written by Marc Guggenheim, illustrated by Madibek Musabekov, and released on March 5, 2025.[26] Best was told about Beq's brief appearance ahead of release and became overjoyed upon learning his character would be featured in Marvel Comics. He also learned and promised fans Beq would receive a spotlight in the future issue of the series,[24] which came to pass in Jedi Knights 8[27] on October 22 of that year. Written by Guggenheim and Musabekov once again, Beq's appearance in the comic was marketed as a major selling point, advertising him as a guest-star.[20] Best celebrated the issue's release by traveling to his local comic shop and purchasing multiple copies of the issue, collecting the various variant covers in the process. Best was overjoyed by Beq's appearance in a comic story and, in an Instagram post, thanked the many Star Wars fans who had supported him over the years.[28]

Best himself took up the challenge of writing Beq, joining Guggenheim in penning the story Jar Jar 1, which will feature both Binks and Beq.[29] Featuring art by Kieran McKeown,[30] the comic was announced at New York Comic Con 2025 and is set for release in February of 2026.[29] Best held onto the news for a long period of time and was very happy when he was finally about to discuss his Marvel writing debut, promising that the story would see Beq and Binks on an adventure that would ripple through the Star Wars canon.[31] Best is very excited for the fandom to read the story and promised that, with support from the fans, his characters would continue to appear. Further, he hoped he could use comics and other mediums to act as a voice for fans who did not feel heard.[28]

Appearances

Non-canon appearances

Sources

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Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 StarWars.com Updated: Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge to Debut June 10 on Star Wars Kids on StarWars.com (backup link)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 StarWars-DatabankII Jedi Knight Kelleran Beq in the Databank (backup link)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 The star wars show logo The Star Wars Show: Ahmed Best and Mary Holland Talk Jedi Temple Challenge, And We Celebrate The Empire Strikes Back! on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 The-Mandalorian-logo Star Wars: The Mandalorian — "Chapter 20: The Foundling"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 StarWars.com Ahmed Best on His Surprise Return as Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian on StarWars.com (March 24, 2023) (backup link)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 1"
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 5"
  10. ↑ Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade
  12. ↑ Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 3"
  13. ↑ The star wars show logo The Star Wars Show: Ahmed Best and Mary Holland Talk Jedi Temple Challenge, And We Celebrate The Empire Strikes Back! on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
  14. ↑ Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 4"
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 6"
  16. ↑ Jedi Temple Challenge logo cropped Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge — "Episode 7"
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 StarWars.com Step Inside Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge on StarWars.com (backup link)
  18. ↑ TwitterLogo Ahmed Best (@ahmedbest) on Twitter (post): "I'm so pumped to share #jeditemplechallenge with everyone. The fan response at Celebration last year was the beginning of my return to the galaxy I love so much. #KelleranBeq "The Sabered Hand" is the first Black..." (screenshot)
  19. ↑ YouTube Episode XI "Best in Show" with Ahmed Best on the The George Lucas Talk Show YouTube channel (backup link)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Marvel-TemplateLogo Star Wars: Jedi Knights (2025) #8 on Marvel Comics' official website (backup link)
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter (post on August 27, 2023): "The ref was seeing Kelleran Beq on Mando, and being able to layer him in as a presence in the Jedi Temple. The cameo character with a speaking role is Noxi Kell, originally from Brotherhood. Who is a delight." (backup link)
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter (post on July 10, 2023): "One particular reference was a really fun "last minute" addition that involved us rushing back through the manuscript to layer something in. Its particularly fun when we get to "react" to stuff and do that." (backup link)
  23. ↑ EAFavicon-Template Kit Reveal - Kelleran Beq on Electronic Arts' official website (backup link)
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Instagram-Logo Ahmed Best (@bestahmed) on Instagram (post on March 5, 2025): "I have been speechless about this since I was told about it, but to actually see #kelleranbeq in the pages of @marvel comics has been overwhelming. I have been a huge #marvelcomics fan for decades. My love of reading and learning and making movies started in the pages of @marvel. If the young comic nerd that I was, could imagine a character that he created would be beloved in the lore of his favorite movies, he would be so proud. I am so grateful that @Starwars and @marvel have embraced #jedi #master #kelleranbeq. This is just the beginning for #thesaberedhand and in the words of one of my hero’s, #EXCELSIOR. #STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS #1 by Marc Guggenheim and Madibek Musabekov! This new Marvel Comics series tells all-new adventures of the Jedi who were active during the Prequel era and Kelleran will be spotlighted in an upcoming issue! #themandalorian #grogu #jarjarbinks" (backup link)
  25. ↑ Jedi Knights 1
  26. ↑ Marvel-TemplateLogo Star Wars: Jedi Knights (2025) #1 on Marvel Comics' official website (backup link)
  27. ↑ Jedi Knights 8
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Instagram-Logo Ahmed Best (@bestahmed) on Instagram (post on October 22, 2025): "Out Today, issue 8 of#marvel #starwars #jediknights comic. When I was a kid, new titles day at the local comic shop was the highlight of my week. That feeling came back HUGE today when I saw #kelleranbeq on the shelf of my local comic shop. I’m so happy, today. Thank you to all the #starwars fans that have held me in your thoughts. It’s truly an honor to be a part of the fandom and of the #galaxy. This is just the beginning, #jarjar written by me and @marcguggenheim drops February. I’m so excited for everyone to read it. You, the audience, have so much power. THe more you support the more we get to do. I promise, I see you, I hear you and now I can be a voice for you in comics and beyond (fingers crossed.) #maytheforcebewithyou." (screenshot)
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 StarWars.com NYCC 2025: All the News and Reveals from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel on StarWars.com (backup link)
  30. ↑ TwitterLogo Skytalkers (@skytalkerspod) on Twitter (post): "COMING SOON: Jar Jar comic!!! Cowriting with Ahmed Best that also features Kelleran Beq!!!!!! Levels of meta!" (backup link)
  31. ↑ Instagram-Logo Ahmed Best (@bestahmed) on Instagram (post on October 11, 2025): "Been holding on to this news for what feels like forever and now I can finally announce my debut as a WRITER FOR @MARVEL COMICS! I get to write a team up comic for both my @starwars Characters #kelleranbeq and #jarjarbinks. JAR JAR issue 1 drops in February 2026. @marcguggenheim and I are writing a story that makes the #jedimasterkelleranbeq #jarjarbinks team up have a ripple affect that will be felt through all the #starwars timelines. I am honestly fighting the tears right now. I was raised by #marvel and on #marvelcomics. It’s why I do what i do. Those books were and still are my happy place in a challenging world. 12 year old Ahmed is so proud right now. Thank you #lucasfilm for always being in my corner and letting express my art through this galaxy that we love. I will always be a fan first, but being a writer for #marvel comics makes me feel like I truly made it. #wearejarjar #theprequels #writer #director #actor #artist #futurist #skinnykidfromthebronx." (backup link)

External links