Boba Fett has long been one of Star Wars’ most iconic characters.
From his mysterious, stoic presence in the original trilogy to his action-packed return in The Mandalorian and later as the lead in The Book of Boba Fett, fans have seen multiple sides of the infamous bounty hunter.
But with these different portrayals, it raises an interesting question: which version of Boba Fett do fans prefer—the ruthless, no-nonsense mercenary we saw in The Mandalorian, or the more empathetic crime-lord attempting to rule Tatooine with honor in his own show?
Let’s explore both sides.
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Boba Fett in The Mandalorian: The Ruthless Mercenary
When Boba Fett reappeared in The Mandalorian, it was nothing short of a triumphant return for fans who had long believed he perished in the Sarlacc pit.
But this wasn’t the silent, mysterious figure we remembered from the original trilogy. Instead, Boba returned as a hardened, battle-worn warrior with a singular mission: to reclaim his armor and take back control of his destiny.
His fight scenes were brutal and efficient—Boba didn’t hold back in The Mandalorian. We saw this in his face-off with stormtroopers, where he took down waves of them with both brute force and precision.
It was a moment that reminded fans of the Boba Fett we were first introduced to in the original trilogy.
Back then, Boba Fett’s few on-screen moments were iconic, but brief.
He delivered Han Solo, frozen in carbonite, to Jabba the Hutt without breaking a sweat. His mere presence commanded fear and respect, whether he was standing behind Darth Vader or taking out his blaster in Return of the Jedi.
But for many, his ultimate fate in the Sarlacc pit felt unworthy of the legendary reputation he had built.
This version of Boba Fett was all business. He didn’t speak much, but his actions did the talking, showing just how ruthless and capable he still was after all these years.
It was the same Boba Fett who had always been feared, only now we finally got to see him unleashed in full action.
For fans of the original Boba Fett, this portrayal felt like the perfect continuation of what made him so iconic in the first place.
He was the best in the galaxy at what he did, and in The Mandalorian, he proved that nothing had changed.
This was the Boba Fett fans had been waiting for—strong, determined, and unwilling to let anyone stand in his way.
It was a portrayal that highlighted his merciless nature, which had always been a core part of his character’s appeal.
Boba Fett in The Book of Boba Fett: The Sympathetic Crime Lord
However, Boba’s story didn’t end with his mercenary days. In The Book of Boba Fett, we see a completely different side to him as he attempts to transition from a ruthless bounty hunter to the new daimyo (crime lord) of Tatooine.
Taking over the criminal empire once ruled by Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett set out to lead not through fear, but with respect.
This marked a significant shift in his character, one that some fans appreciated for its depth, while others found it difficult to reconcile with the Boba they knew.
It’s a valid point—throughout The Book of Boba Fett, we see him trying to establish his rule, but much of the “crime lord” aspect seems more like an honorary title rather than actual involvement in criminal enterprises.
Unlike Jabba, who thrived on a network of smugglers, assassins, and mercenaries, Boba’s leadership is more about maintaining order than engaging in illegal activities.
In fact, his attempts to rule with respect rather than fear contradict what audiences typically associate with the term “crime lord.”
Boba Fett’s version of leadership is more complex. His time with the Tusken Raiders, learning their ways and understanding a life of community and survival, seems to have softened him in many ways.
Instead of operating like a typical criminal boss, he’s focused on alliances, loyalty, and creating a sustainable future for the people under his protection.
This shift adds layers to Boba’s character that some fans embraced, seeing it as an evolution for the once-merciless bounty hunter who is now trying to build a different legacy.
However, this portrayal also left some fans feeling like the “crime lord” label was misleading.
His journey through The Book of Boba Fett saw him fighting off threats and asserting control, but without the darker, more cutthroat tactics that the title might suggest.
Instead of expanding a criminal empire, Boba Fett seemed more interested in securing peace and stability in the territory he inherited.
For those expecting a grittier take on his character, this evolution may have felt underwhelming.
Which Version Of Boba Fett is Better?
As a Star Wars fan since the original trilogy, I’ve always wanted to see what truly makes Boba Fett the iconic character we all know.
From his mysterious, feared presence in the original films to his expanded backstory in The Clone Wars, Boba Fett’s journey has always intrigued us.
But now, with two different portrayals—one in The Mandalorian and the other in The Book of Boba Fett—it’s fair to ask: which version of Boba Fett do you connect with more?
In The Mandalorian, we got the Boba Fett we always imagined—ruthless, efficient, and commanding fear with every move.
This was the no-nonsense bounty hunter fans had been waiting for.
As one fan said, “Ruthless merc, ‘nice’ protagonists are fine, but we don’t often see someone with grit unless they’re the enemy.” And that’s what made this portrayal so satisfying—Boba was tough, gritty, and unapologetic.
Then came The Book of Boba Fett, where Boba shifted from mercenary to crime lord, ruling Tatooine with respect rather than fear.
One fan on Reddit summed up their frustration with Boba’s new title: “I hate the way they call him a ‘Crime Lord.’ What crimes is he lord of exactly? He kills some bandits and sits in a big house.”