Defining The New Benevolent Side Of Boba Fett

Can Boba Fett switch on psychopathy like the Mandalorian warriors of Star Wars Legends?  Max explores Fett’s new benevolent side.

Lots of people on the Internet are complaining about Boba Fett’s compassionate and affectionate behavior on The Book Of Boba Fett. And one source even went so far as to say that his character has been ruined. I think that it’s a bit hasty, even though I have pointed out in my review the inconsistency of Boba’s character. That being said, I may have somewhat of a theory that could close this “plot hole”.

MAN OF MYSTERY

Boba’s portrayal pre-2018 was always the strong, silent killer who always gets the job done. In the new canon, the earliest depictions of him even have him killing a 19-year-old boy in cold blood and leaving his former guardian and later peer, Bossk, to freeze to death. Both those actions seem to hint at the possibility of Fett being a sociopath. Yet his affection towards his Bantha and Rancor in the 4th episode of The Book Of Boba Fett; along with him being a pretty easy guy to work for, implies he is anything but a sociopath. So, what’s the deal? Well here goes…..

DEFINING THE FETT

In Legends, a Mandalorian explains to the now (NON-CANON) daughter of Han Solo and Leia that Mandalorians were able to “switch on psychopathy” in fights to eliminate enemies as effectively as possible. It may seem farfetched as psychopathy is something you are born with and in the brain structure. However, this is Star Wars, and their neuroscience is far more advanced than ours. And there is something called neural plasticity which is a REAL thing that brains exhibit. They can be molded and changed with the right method. So perhaps when Boba was working as a bounty hunter, he turned on this ability to “get the job done.” And now that he has retired from bounty hunting, he may attempt to be more benevolent to rule through “respect” and not fear, like Jabba the Hutt did.

THE LEGENDS TOOLBOX

My theory is a bit out there. But canon Star Wars often borrows from the Legends “toolbox”, and we have no proof that Jon Favreau DOES’NT read Wookieepedia. For your reference, I am attaching the Wookieepedia Legends Psychopathy page. It is mentioned in the above quote at the top, you cannot miss it. Give it a read and decide for yourself.

Are you a fan of Boba’s newfound benevolent side? Leave a comment in the section below. We’d love to hear from you.

Max Nocerino

Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!