Boba Fett and Fennec Shand: Worthy of the power they seek

The Book of Boba Fett releases on December. 29 on Disney+ and there are many reasons to be excited. Along with having two amazing characters to cheer for, recent teasers have given us a broader glimpse into the bounty hunter’s new series. “I intend to rule with respect” has been uttered more than once, including the initial trailer, and the latest teasers highlight Boba Fett’s ferocity.

Will this message of respect be true or will it be layered in a way to highlight how capable he is when he’s pushed by others? Additionally, we see Fennec Shand by his side and it’s impossible not to love the dynamic between these two characters.

On-screen chemistry between Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen solidifies wanting to see these two succeed in the Star Wars universe. When characters “have each other’s back” without resistance, it’s ultimately inspiring to see what lengths they will go to as they rule in a new powerful position.

The last time we saw Fett and Shand, they were helping The Mandalorian get “the kid” back. Not only were they significant in achieving that goal, the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian saw the return of Luke Skywalker. In the grandest of fashions, hopefulness was palpable in this episode and now The Book of Boba Fett is featuring two characters who played a part in that epic tale.

Despite Boba Fett’s previous role in the film franchise being limited, his reign as an iconic character has never seemed to faulter. This is readily apparent in his outstandingly skilled return to Star Wars post-Sarlacc. Plus, the documentary released on Disney+, Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett, highlights why fans have been attached to this character from the very beginning.

All of this momentum that’s been built around Fett and his partner in crime makes it’s easy to hope for the best. Seeing them be triumphant in The Book of Boba Fett would add to an already stellar legacy. If there’s a chance to also see another uplifting moment like what we all witnessed The Mandalorian season 2 finale, then that’s an added bonus.

Despite having limited screen time in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Boba Fett’s mystique has always been exceedingly high. If you haven’t watched Under the Helmet, I highly recommend doing so as you will understand all of the inner workings and fandom behind “The Fett.”

In a previous life, Fett was a bounty hunter. Based on recent trailers, we may see what happened after his near-fatal fall into the pit of the Sarlacc. In what could’ve been a one-way ticket to never being seen on TV or film again, Boba Fett’s return in The Mandalorian raised questions other than “How did he escape?” Now, we’re wondering who this character is moving forward.

Fett saves Fennec Shand. He honors his word to help rescue Grogu. These do not seem like the ploys of a bounty hunter, which makes the upcoming season vastly intriguing. As we learn more, it allows fans to deepen the incredible bond they already have with their beloved Fett. Plus, Ming-Na Wen has engrained herself as Shand, amplifying her role from The Bad Batch as if she’s been in Star Wars for years.

The idea of finding a reason to hope for these characters doesn’t mean there won’t be heartache, but after their involvement in saving Grogu, I wonder if those sentiments will reverberate to the new series. It’s one of the reasons why the season 2 finale was powerful. They stood by The Mandalorian when he needed help, and then there was the mind-blowing return of Luke Skywalker. Would it be amazing to see Luke return? Absolutely, but it’s also possible to just bounce off that wonderful episode in a way where fans can equally root for the same people who were trying to save Baby Yoda from certain death.

Hope is something to cling onto and the previews have already shown Fett and Shand in what appears to be vulnerable situations. One in particular has them surrounded by enemies with energy shields, and there’s a sense of “Oh, no” as you wonder what will happen next. And who doesn’t love cheering for the underdog. Isn’t that a definite qualifier when determining a hero in Star Wars?

Luke Skywalker and company faced off against the mighty Empire. Rey and the small band of the Resistance fought a seemingly daunting task similar to the original trilogy. The entire crew of the Ghost in Star Wars Rebels were always fighting against larger numbers. Now, will Fett and Shand appear as the next underdogs to wage war against a corrupt system of betrayals and evil alliances? I hope.

As powerful as the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian still is, it’s important to recognize the potential for what’s ahead. There will undoubtedly be incredible fight sequences based off what’s been shown in the previews, but the idea of bringing a sense of sincere hope to the franchise is and always will be a major factor in continuing to watch. The intrigue surrounding Boba Fett and Fennec Shand is brimming with potential. Once The Book of Boba Fett arrives, I hope the power they seek allows them to do more good in a galaxy full of evil.

Are you excited to see Boba Fett and Fennec Shand shine in The Book of Boba Fett? Do you think we’ll see similar roles in the new series where they helped to rescue Grogu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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