It Could Bring Diversity To The Franchise
Lucasfilm may not have diversified behind the scenes since Disney bought the company in 2012, but it’s begun to do so on the screen. Ladies such as Daisy Ridley and Felicity Jones have taken center stage as Rey and Jynn Erso. Actors of varying races have joined them on their quests, from Diego Luna to John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran as Cassion Andor, Finn and Rose respectively. But even more can be done to put minorities on screen; and that’s where Boba Fett comes in.
Jeremy Bulloch played the silent mercenary in the Original Trilogy. But since then, Fett has been portrayed by two actors in his live-action appearances. Daniel Logan was a young Boba in Attack of the Clones, whereas Temuera Morrison also appeared as his father/ biological template Jango. Indeed, Morrison’s distinctive voice has become synonymous with the character, because he’s also re-appeared as Boba (and other clone troopers) in video games since 2002.
The key aspect here is that both actors are of Māori descent, a group which is rarely given the spotlight in Hollywood movies. Therefore, now is as good a time as any for Star Wars to represent someone other than white men and women in its protagonist line-up.
Moreover, it’s exciting to consider that both Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison could easily return to the role. If James Mangold decides to go with Boba’s prosperity under the Empire, Logan would be the right age. It would be extremely fitting to see him finally don the armor, too, given that he also voiced Boba through The Clone Wars series.
But if the director opts for an older Boba, post-Return of the Jedi, then Morrison could easily resupply that grizzled gravitas for the pic. And even if Lucasfilm opt for someone else to wear that jet pack, there’s nothing stopping them from casting another Kiwi in the role. For example, can you Arrow fans picture Manu Bennett as Boba?
Both Solo and Rogue One have expanded the Star Wars universe in ways which fans never thought possible. So, all in all, there’s a whole lot of potential to be realized in a Boba Fett solo movie. It would be amazing to witness him in action again, snagging bounties and negotiating a hostile world of crime. Yet it could also be a harsh, thought-provoking film. Given Fett’s past as an orphaned clone, it may even allow audiences to – shock, horror – empathize with the brutal kidnapper of Han Solo. Indeed, the prospect of reappraising one of the most mysterious and enduring characters in the Star Wars saga is truly an exciting one.