Theatre and Dance alumna Mary Holland to voice a droid on Disney’s new Star Wars series

Mary Holland

She was the droid they were looking for.

Mary Holland, a 2007 graduate of the BFA Acting program in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance will star in a new Star Wars television show on Disney+ beginning in 2020.

Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge is a game show set in a galaxy far, far away, will test young contestants’ abilities in the core Jedi principles of strength, knowledge, and bravery as they face thrilling and fun obstacles in an attempt to achieve the rank of Jedi Knight. From lightsabers to hyperspace, the Force, and the dark side, Jedi Temple Challenge transports viewers and contestants into the Star Wars galaxy like never before.

The show is hosted by Ahmed Best, who will play a Jedi Master and mentor to the contestants. Known to many fans as Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels, Best’s unique set of skills as an actor, dancer, martial arts expert, STOMP musician, and Star Wars fan make him the perfect choice as the show’s host and mentor. Best is joined by a hilarious humanoid droid companion, voiced by Holland (Veep, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre).

So pumped to be joining @ahmedbest as his droid buddy for this Star Wars kids’ game show that’s coming to Disney+ in 2020!!!! #jeditemplechallenge ⚔️ https://t.co/KwCGMYXZRq

— Mary Holland (@mholland85) December 3, 2019

“This is definitely a kids game show like no other,” says Lucasfilm’s senior director of Online Content and Programming, Mickey Capoferri. “The various challenges will test a Padawan’s connection to the Force in three locations — a forest planet, on board a Jedi star cruiser, and inside a Jedi temple — immersing them and the audience in a fun, humorous, and exciting competition.”

Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2020.

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