As we prepare to close the book on 2021, Disney+ is opening up another one. And this time, from a library far, far away. The Book of Boba Fett, a new spin-off series based on the beloved The Mandalorian, premieres on 29 December.
If you’ve been wondering if you should catch it (our answer is always yes), here are some knowledge we’d like to impart in hopes it’ll help with your decision.
Again, our answer is always yes, but okay, we shan’t push you.
Who Is Boba Fett?
Only the baddest bounty hunter of the galaxy? Duh. Fett was “born” during the Star Wars prequel Republic Era, as a clone of Jango Fett. He was later entrusted to the Mandalorian bounty hunter as payment after Jango Fett’s DNA became the template for the Clone Wars’ eponymous army. In case you’re wondering, no Fett is not a Mandalorian.
The character first appeared inThe Empire Strikes Back as a foreboding and faceless bounty hunter with super cool armor. In the following film, Fett is eaten by a sarlacc and whilst many fans refuse to believe him to be dead, we didn’t get confirmation until The Mandalorian season 2.
Fett was also seen in the Clone Wars animated series where we sought vengeance for his father’s death in Attack of the Clones. All these appearances added up to give him a well-respected reputation – plus he has a signature suit, starship and is well-acquainted with the galaxy’s underworld.
Boba Fett in The Mandalorian
When we caught up with him in The Mandalorian, Fett was on the hunt for his armor. This later led to a beautiful reunion with Fennec Shand as we learn he had saved her life after she was left for dead in the desert. The two of them helped Din Djarin rescue in the season 2 finale but didn’t cross paths with Luke Skywalker – which is probably for the best since the two have a rather complicated history.
In The Mandalorian, Fett is played by actor Temuera Morrison. Morrison will be reprising his role in the new spin-off series too.
Master Assassin Fennec Shand In ‘The Book of Boba Fett’
Fennec Shand’s reveal in The Mandalorian was just as exciting as Fett’s. After seeing the two work so closely, it’s a given that she will appear in the spin-off series too. Although the trailers have been pretty vague as to what her role is, actress Ming-Na Wen has hinted that Shand will be taking a darker path, with the sharpshooting assassin acting as Fett’s advisor and executioner.
In one of the trailers, Shand is heard telling Fett that she “keeps an eye on everyone”. Perhaps Shand’s new moniker as master assassin teases a more bloodthirsty and vicious take on the character compared to her earlier appearances.
Fennec made her Star Wars debut in season 1, episode 5, of The Mandalorian. In the episode, she is sought by Din Djarin and an opportunistic bounty hunter, Toro Calican. She was shot by Calican and was seemingly left for dead in the desert of Tatooine. However, season 2 of The Mandalorian reveals that Shand was actually saved by Fett and had parts of her body replaced with cybernetics. Now forever in his debt, Shand serves as Fett’s new partner and helps him to conquer Tatooine and the remnants of the Hutt cartels.
Prior to The Mandalorian, Fennec made her first chronological appearance as a formidable bounty hunter in the animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, where she fights off Clone Force 99 in pursuit of her target, Omega.
New Mysterious Characters
The world of Star Wars is vast and wide, leaving space for many characters to make their debut in future series and movies. That said, The Book of Boba Fett will have new mysterious characters that have been teased via new castings and in a recent special look teaser trailer.
Although confirmation is still required, it seems like the spin-off series will have two characters named Skad and Drash. Played by Jordan Bolger and Sophie Thatcher respectively, Skad is described as edgy, fit and resilient whilst Drash is cool, self-assured and in need of refinement. Both characters are described as faithful members of a street crew who are willing to question authority. It is unclear if they will be working with Fett as he attempts to take back power, or if they’ll be a problem in the crimelord’s plans.
Weekly Release Schedule
The Book of Boba Fett will stick to a weekly release schedule with episode 1 premiering Wednesday, 29 December on Disney+. The show has 7 episodes, with the remaining 6 episodes released every Wednesday too.
Here’s how the schedule is looking like thus far:
- Chapter 1 – December 29
- Chapter 2 – January 5
- Chapter 3 – January 12
- Chapter 4 – January 19
- Chapter 5 – January 26
- Chapter 6 – February 2
- Chapter 7 – February 9
The Book of Boba Fett is shaping up to be a thrilling adventure that finds the legendary bounty hunter outgrowing the role and commanding respect as Tattooine’s new lord. With mercenary and master assassin Fennec Shand on his side, the two will try to stake their claim on territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.
The series stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.
Catch The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+.