Could These Subtle Hints Suggest Boba Fett Is Force-Sensitive?

Spoilers ahead for 'Book of Boba Fett'

Boba Fett, cloned son of Jango Fett, notorious bounty hunter for the Hutts and the Empire, trained since childhood in the martial ways of the Mandalorians, new daimyo of Mos Espa, and... Force sensitive? A new fan theory, based upon the recent events of The Book of Boba Fett has been making the rounds of the Star Wars fandom recently, claiming that elements of the show seem to indicate a deeper connection to the energy field that is the cornerstone of Star Wars.

This theory, while it will undoubtedly make some Star Wars purists and Expanded Universe fans cringe, does have some merit. The Book of Boba Fett has provided an excellent character study of the legendary bounty hunter, with many of these traits being surprisingly reminiscent of a Jedi (or in some cases the Sith). Here, we will examine the moments from the newest Disney+ series that make a case for Boba Fett's Force-sensitivity but, ultimately, why he's just a simple man, making his way through the galaxy, and why that is better for his character and Star Wars in general.

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The first indicator of Boba's potential Force connection is his redemptive flip from working with the evil Empire, to his new sense of honor and family seen in Book of Boba Fett. Just as Darth Vader and Kylo Ren were both redeemed to the light, Boba seems to be walking a higher road than he has in the past. Swearing to Fennec Shand that "I will... pledge my life to protect yours" does not sound like the same Boba who was warned by Darth Vader, of all people, to reign in his use of lethal force while pursuing the Millennium Falcon. This could be a case of misconstruing the methods with the man however, as we see Din Djarin himself (well portrayed as a man of honor) disintegrating Jawas who are in the process of stripping his ship. If disintegration is the most effective way of bringing in a bounty, especially if the bounty was one of the multitude of scum and villainy in the galaxy, then Boba's moral compass would hardly be compromised by employing such a tactic.

While Boba may have filled the role of an antagonist in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, this hardly makes him an evil individual. Just as he told Krrsantan, "no hard feelings, it's just business." In this case, his business just happened to pit him against our beloved original trilogy heroes, understandably making him a villain to the audience. While Boba has associated with bad people in the past, and been responsible for bad things happening to good people (like Han being turned into a carbon-sicle), as a character, he has always walked the grayer middle ground between light and dark.

Boba's connection to the creatures of the show has also drawn comparisons to Jedi-like behavior. After Boba's adopted tribe of Tuskens is massacred, we see he has a connection with his faithful Bantha, frequently talking to it and releasing it into the wild when he makes his move to reclaim his gunship. This is backed up by Legends stories that describe the connection between the Raiders and their Bantha steeds, with many tribes giving young Tuskens their own Bantha calf at an early age. Boba is also immediately infatuated with the Rancor given to him by the Twins, treating it like a new puppy and declaring that it will be his bonded steed. This connection has drawn comparisons to the Jedi Padawan, Ezra Bridger, who is known for his ability to connect with animals through the Force.

While a respect for nature and animals is certainly a tenet of the Jedi, it is not a trait exclusive to them in the Star Wars universe. The Tuskens and Mandalorians have both demonstrated an animal affinity in past Star Wars stories. Not to mention the Ugnaught, Kuiil, being one of many characters in the universe to ride a blurrg. Boba Fett also already has an established connection with creatures, as he was riding a giant dinosaur-like creature in his first onscreen appearance in the dreaded Holiday Special.

The final, most compelling argument for Boba's supposed Force-sensitivity is his experimentation with lizard and the ensuing spiritual journey. Very Force-vision like in its presentation and conveyance of theme, it certainly is reminiscent of Luke's journey into the cave on Dagobah, Rey's visions on Ahch-To, and numerous other Force-centric scenes from Clone Wars and Rebels. Could this be the indicator we've been searching for, proving Boba's Force-sensitivity?

This is unlikely to be the case, as the Tuskens clearly knew what they were doing and what to expected from Boba's spirit walk. His returning with a branch, from which to carve his Gaderffii, and his ensuing induction into the tribe is clearly what the Tusken leader hoped to achieve by presenting Boba with the lizard. In all likelihood, the more plausible explanation is that it is the lizard who has a "high M-count" and is a conduit through which the Force flowed into the mind of Fett.

While the Force, the Jedi, lightsabers, and Sith Lords are all a part of the foundation from which Star Wars has grown, what makes this universe truly special is the variety of characters and the ability of any being, even one without the ability to touch the Force, to alter galactic events. Boba Fett, much like Han Solo, Jar Jar Binks, or Cassian Andor, is a beloved character who has no ability to wield the Force, and should remain that way. Crime Lord Fett is a demonstration that you don't need a mystical energy field to be powerful. Sometimes a suit of Mandalorian armor and a tribe consisting of a Master Assassin, a gladiator Wookiee, a pair of Gamorreans, and the Darksaber-wielding Mandalore is all you need.

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Written by Weston Erickson

Source(s): CBR.com

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