When Disney began breathing new life into the Star Wars universe, one of the most exciting side effects was the resurrection and renaissance of Boba Fett.
OK, yes, technically the bounty hunter still resides deep within the belly of the Sarlaac, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy elsewhere. Fett’s been tearing it up in the pages of the Marvel’s Star Wars and Darth Vader comic book series, and he’ll be making some long overdue appearances in the console realm with the release of the Disney Infinity 3.0 and Star Wars Battlefront video games this year. It’s only a matter of time before he pops up on the silver screen, too, we assume.
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Unfortunately, the prequels have already taken care of any chance at crafting an interesting backstory for the Mandalorian wannabe, but a new series of photos offers us the closest thing to a Fett origin story that fans will get.
An Imgur user called joinmeinthesun has posted an album of photos from an early screen test of the character’s outfit. Obviously, the test happened somewhere between filming of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, but it’s unclear exactly what year. (Collider, which tipped us to this story, says it took place in 1979.)
If it weren’t for the grainy black-and-white photography and the incredibly disinterested look of the costume’s model (who is not Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch), these could be shots of a fan donning his self-made Mandalorian armor for the first time before a Halloween party or a Celebration convention.
Check out the best photos in the pages herein, along with a surprise at the end of how Fett was originally conceived.
Next: A Legend is Born
An assistant helps the model with the armor.
Next: Getting Closer
This close-up shots reveals how used and worn the armor was made to look.
Next: Wrist Protection
No room for a watch.
Next: First Phase Complete
Breastplate, utility belt and codpiece are in place.
Next: You Have the Power
He could look a little more excited.
Next: Next Piece
That looks like some gnarly armpit hair.
Next: Full Shot
Seriously, dude, you’re living every nerd’s dream. At least smile a bit.
Next: Jetpack Rocket Attached
Love how the entire mood of this shot is dictated by his pose away from the camera.
Next: Jetpack Close-up
Again, worn, rusted metal look to give a lived-in feel. Maybe that’s why it so easily malfunctioned.
Next: Rockets Away
Careful with that thing!
Next: Here Comes the Helmet
What’s with the markings on the top? Some kind of horns?
Next: Hero Shot
Better tighten that chinstrap.
Next: Western Archetype
The cape is really a masterstroke for the costume design. Perfectly connects Fett to the Western antiheroes he was inspired by.
Next: Final Assembly
Nice cosplay.
Next: The Boba Fett screentest you've been looking for
This is an earlier screentest of the character from 1978, showing off the white Stormtrooperish armor. Obviously, the design was changed, but it still looks pretty sick.