Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Book of Boba Fett episode 5.
Lucasfilm attempts to reinvent Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) in The Book of Boba Fett, but The Mandalorian‘s Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) highlights why it’s not working. After years of being presumed dead, the fan-favorite Star Wars bounty hunter returned to the space opera. Now, he headlines his own Disney+ series, but he’s noticeably different from the last time he was seen on screen.
Despite his minimal involvement in the original trilogy, Boba Fett still made a mark thanks to his cool outfit and ship. He successfully caught Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in The Empire Strikes Back, delivering him to Jabba the Hutt, effectively making him a secondary villain. Despite Boba Fett’s biggest Star Wars crime, however, fans still wanted to see more of him. Unfortunately, before Lucasfilm could capitalize on his popularity, he was suddenly and almost comically killed at the start of Return of the Jedi. For years, there were persistent theories about his survival from falling into the sarlacc pit which was finally confirmed in The Mandalorian season 2.
After his initial encounter with Din and Grogu, Boba Fett, alongside Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) is now attempting to take over Jabba the Hutt’s old crime kingdom in Mos Espa. Unfortunately, things aren’t exactly going well as he struggles to establish himself as the new Daimyo. It has something to do with his decision to take a calmer approach in ruling the territory. As he said, he wants to rule with respect and not with fear the way his predecessor did. This change in character is part of Lucasfilm’s attempt to humanize Boba Fett, but it isn’t working because it strips him of his edge. As skilled and methodological as he is, Boba Fett hasn’t exactly exhibited the physical prowess needed to make him a quiet but formidable figure in Tatooine. Din Djarin, on the other hand, is effective in this regard. He’s cool and collected, but when push comes to shove, he can defend himself as seen in The Book of Boba Fett episode 5, “The Return of The Mandalorian.”
In an unexpected change, the ongoing Star Wars/Disney+ series devoted a whole outing catching fans up with what Din has been up to since The Mandalorian season 2 finale. With Grogu now in training to be a Jedi with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Mando is back to his bounty hunting ways. The Book of Boba Fett episode, particularly its opening sequence, highlighted just how capable he is in his job. He does business professionally, doesn’t make any unnecessary ruckus during a mission, and gets the job done with minimal commotion. But, it also reminded fans that when backed in a corner, he could take care of himself. Seeing him spend time with Baby Yoda humanized the character, but he remains the capable gunslinger that he was before he became Grogu’s foster father. Tragically, Lucasfilm can’t strike the same balance with regard to Boba Fett.
As he gears up for an all-out war against the Pyke Syndicate and Mok Shaiz (John Rosengrant), perhaps Boba Fett can finally bring out his old ruthless persona. After all, it doesn’t seem like he can solve the situation by being diplomatic, especially since the mayor already disrespected him for lying to his face. If he doesn’t, it’s dubious if he’ll be able to be the crime lord of Mos Espa before the end of The Book of Boba Fett in the way he wants to be. Either way, the contrast between both this new look Fett and Din Djarin, as well as the character’s original menacing presence in The Empire Strikes Back is stark.
The Book of Boba Fett airs every Wednesday on Disney+.
Key Release Dates
- Rogue Squadron (2023)Release date: Dec 22, 2023
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