It was 1983. Star Wars fans gathered in droves to watch what could have been the conclusion to the franchise as they knew it. Return of the Jedi sacrificed many casualties to tell its heartbreaking yet hopeful story … which, supposedly, included the blue-skinned piano master Max Rebo.
Star Wars Legends would later reveal that Max had indeed survived Jabba’s sail barge. But when Star Wars canon reworked the stories following Return of the Jedi, Max’s fate was once again up in the air. That is, until LEGO Star Wars: The Holiday Special.
Max Rebo in all his brick-tastic glory made waves in the fandom when he appeared in the special. His role may have been small and the events of the special may not have been confirmed as canon, but there he was. Still making music. Still doing his best to survive in a galaxy that seemed to only ever want him as a background character.
Give this Ortolan his own show. Studio album. Galaxy-wide tour. Anything. He deserves it.
Max once again reappeared in The Book of Boba Fett in Garsa’s Sanctuary. But Star Wars fans were greatly troubled when the Sanctuary exploded. Once again, we had to know: Is Max Rebo safe? Is he alright?
Many have pointed out that Max did not appear to be present before the Pyke attack and most likely wasn’t in the vicinity when the bomb went off. Which is great for him, because the galaxy is about to find itself in yet another war, and for some, music is the only thing that gets them through the day.
Like Garsa Fwip, Max Rebo could still be alive. This talented musician didn’t survive years of hustle an explosion in the desert just to be taken out by a crime syndicate he had nothing to do with. Plus, if the LEGO Holiday Special ends up being officially canon, he made it all the way past the sequel trilogy and you can’t argue with facts.
Season 1 of The Book of Boba Fett is streaming now exclusively on Disney+.