No disintegrations
This article will contain spoilers for season 2 of The Mandalorian, but not for The Book of Boba Fett.
“You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations.”
When Boba Fett is seen onscreen for the first time in the 1980 blockbuster The Empire Strikes Back, his only line is a simple “As you wish” in response to Darth Vader’s ominous demand. With only four lines total in this movie, and none at all before his perceived death in Return of the Jedi, this mysterious new bounty hunter found wild popularity and fame among fans of the franchise.
His striking armor, smooth captures, and intriguing history captured the attention and hearts of millions. In 2002, Boba Fett’s backstory began to be revealed—his father, Jango Fett, was hired to donate his DNA for the creation of a clone army. In addition to his payment, Jango requested an unaltered clone of himself to raise as his son. Donning familiar-looking silver and blue armor, Jango was killed by Jedi Master Mace Windu, leaving a broken-hearted child behind to take up his father’s mantle.
Despite popular fan theories that have existed for decades, Boba’s fate after his fall into the deadly Sarlacc Pit in Return of the Jedi was left unconfirmed until 2020. Having survived and reemerged to find his father’s armor, Boba returned to the screen in season two of The Mandalorian. In an end-credits scene Boba, having joined forces with Master Assassin Fennec Shand, takes over the throne of Jabba the Hutt’s reign on Tatooine. With this teaser for his own show, the fanbase was once again whipped up into a frenzy, hungry for further details on one of the most fascinating characters in all of Star Wars.
Disney+ released a fantastic 23-minute documentary titled Under the Helmet in mid-November of 2021, preparing its audience for the main event to come in a month. This documentary delves into the history of Boba Fett: from his origin behind the scenes in the 1970s to the star of his own show today. Showing the many faces—and helmets—who have portrayed this fearsome bounty hunter, it is a perfect look at the character’s legacy.
The Book of Boba Fett is the first live-action Star Wars show since the award-winning The Mandalorian. With large boots to fill, it dives straight into familiar elements not seen on the big screen for some time—the sand dunes of Tatooine, the Tusken Raiders and their bantha steeds and the stomach of the terrifying Sarlacc Pit.
Visually, the show is a masterpiece, the first several episodes following Boba as he reinstates his place in the galaxy. Despite Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen’s brilliant acting and the end credits’ transporting music, the pace of the show is rather slow and patient, taking its time building up the characters and plot. But the further installments bring several names back into Star Wars—some expected, some not—all to lead up to a pulse-racing finale, with action and tension worthy of a theater experience.
The Book of Boba Fett’s true success lies in where it differs from The Mandalorian. Whereas its predecessor could be watched and fully enjoyed by anyone with minimal knowledge of the Star Wars films, The Book of Boba Fett is bursting with references and cameos, both large and small, that appeal to the most devoted fans.
One of the more significant entrances into live action comes in episode 2 in the form of Black Krrsantan, the dangerous Wookiee bounty hunter first seen in the 2015 Marvel Star Wars comics. Episode 6 of the show ends with a face reveal to leave long-time watchers reeling. Even separate from the characters themselves, the show is made for the uber-fan—in episode three, it is mentioned that rancors were once ridden by the “witches of Dathomir,” the mysterious alien women from The Clone Wars. This episode also contains a scene where a character crashes into a crate of meilooruns, a neon-colored fruit from the TV show Star Wars: Rebels.
Upon its release, The Book of Boba Fett was preceded by The Bad Batch and will be followed by Obi-Wan Kenobi—two shows rife in lore and connections to the greater Star Wars universe. Despite its ties, The Book of Boba Fett can be observed as a breath of fresh air, a moment’s brief respite from the depth and reach of the films’ lasting impact. It can be watched without needing to draw constant links, so separate is its storyline. In this way, as did The Mandalorian, it has succeeded.
Boba Fett’s character is one that has been beloved for over 40 years and, as it has been ensured, will be so for decades more to come. His legacy has endured throughout time, remaining strong, unblemished, and undefeated as he jetpacks his way into our hearts. No disintegrations.