How Disney Could Change The Name Of Boba Fett's Ship
What Is Your Opinion?
There's never a shortage of discourse in the Star Wars fandom, though that isn't to say that a lot of it isn't justified. The online controversy surrounding Slave I, Boba Fett's famous starship began back in June of 2021, when it was reported that the name of the ship's LEGO Star Wars set would be renamed from Slave I to Boba Fett's Starship. To the average Star Wars fan, this was barely even news. But sadly, many self-proclaimed "hardcore" fans began to complain about Disney apparently "ruining" Boba Fett's starship by changing its name on a toy box. The heated discourse was rekindled again recently with the release of The Book of Boba Fett's fourth episode, in which the ship is never directly referred to by name. This has only increased these fans' paranoia about the ship's name being changed, despite it still being called Slave I on its canon Wookieepedia page.
Aside from the low-hanging fruit of poking fun at the toxic parts of the Star Wars fandom, I do think the name of Boba Fett's ship is worth discussing. In my own opinion, Slave I has always been kind of a lackluster name. Even without the problematic use of the term "slave", which many fans of color have pointed out over the years, Slave I just feels like a random name with not much connection or meaning in regards to Boba Fett's character. Plus, with Lucasfilm making efforts to update aspects of the franchise to be more culturally aware, such as with the Tusken Raiders in The Book of Boba Fett's second episode, I feel confident in saying that it might just be time for Boba's ship to get a new name. The question then is how could Disney and Lucasfilm go about changing the ship's name in a way that makes sense within the context of the universe and Boba's character? To this, I have a simple answer: make Boba's ship a part of his character's journey.
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What I mean by this is that The Book of Boba Fett could show Boba's environment changing along with his character. Over the course of Star Wars' history, we have seen Boba go from a student of his father to a bounty hunter to a wanderer to a crime lord. Throughout his journey, his priorities have changed multiple times. While he used to be more dedicated to building his reputation as a mercenary, he is now much more focused on building his own tribe in Mos Espa and carrying on his father's legacy. With this introspective approach to Boba's character, I believe it would make sense for him to reevaluate the things he has had for years and change them to reflect his new outlook on life. If Boba wants to tell the galaxy that he plans to be a fair and just crime lord, he could change his ship's name to something like Peacekeeper or Watchful Eye. If he wants to emphasize his dedication to his father, he could call it Fett's Fury or Jango's Legacy, and so on.
In my view, the best Star Wars ships are the ones that best reflect their pilots. The Millennium Falcon is rusty and beat-up, but also endearing and reliable like Han Solo. The Razor Crest is sleek and threatening, but also vulnerable and protective like Din Djarin. Slave I's design is certainly reflective of Boba. It is ruthless and powerful, yet focused and never needlessly destructive. Although, its name still does not convey Boba's character or legacy.
Again, this issue can be fixed if handled in a tasteful and natural way that fits with Boba's story. If Disney and Lucasfilm do plan on changing the name of Boba's ship, I for one support it. Star Wars as a franchise is constantly evolving and changing to better fit with our current times. So with Boba's character progressing so much and becoming more reflective of modern culture, I believe it is time for his ship to do the same.
READ NEXT: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Tusken Raiders
Written By Zach Bernard
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