The Book of Boba Fett: Season 2 and Next Steps

The one thing we can take away from this season is that there is very little difference between The Book of Boba Fett & The Mandalorian. The Book of Boba Fett is not only a spinoff of The Mandalorian, but the episodes of Book of Boba Fett are heavily focused on the continuation of story lines from The Mandalorian Season 2 as well. Star Wars fans should be watching both, lest they jump from Mando Season 2 and 3 and wonder why Grogu suddenly appears in the picture.

The point is, regardless of whether The Book of Boba Fett comes back for a second season it’s safe assume that their symbiotic relationship will not end. Boba Fett will no doubt continue to be a part of The Mandalorian. His connection to Din Djarin was too strong to let the two Mandalorians continue to influence each other, especially as Din confronts his fate on Mandalore.

The Star Wars Criminal Underworld

The finale of The Book of Boba Fett doesn’t give us any indication of the plot. Boba has defeated Pyke Syndicate and killed the mentor who was his rival. What’s next for the new Mos Espa daimyo, Boba?

It is safe to assume that this won’t be Boba Fett’s last challenge for his new throne. Although the Pyke Syndicate suffered a humiliating defeat they are still a large intergalactic network and will not be able to lose a few soldiers or two Scorpenek droids. They will return to Tatooine’s spice supply if they feel it is worth continuing to hold on to their claim.

The series also hints at the chaos of the criminal underworld during this post-Imperial period. Jabba The Hutt left a power vacuum, which neither “The Twins” nor the late Bib Fortuna have filled. Although the New Republic is trying to restore law and order in the Outer Rim they are limited in manpower and resources. The likelihood of a power struggle among the various criminal organizations in the galaxy for supremacy in the new uncertain era is very real.

Star Wars: Crimson Reign Comic covers

One possibility is that we might see Darth Maul’s Crimson Dawn syndicate resurgence. Maul is already dead at this point in the timeline. However, Marvel’s Star Wars comics revealed that Qi’ra, Emilia Clarke’s character in Crimson Dawn. She even shares a history of friendship with Boba Fett. She stole Han Solo’s carbonite-encased Han Solo, before Boba managed to get it to Jabba’s Palace. Could this rivalry be adapted into a live-action series of television?

There is another possibility that Prince Xizor could be introduced to Disney’s Star Wars universe. Xizor is the main antagonist of Shadows of the Empire in 1996. He leads the Black Sun syndicate, and is believed to be the richest person in the galaxy. He has a dysfunctional relationship to Boba Fett (at least in the Legends timeline). Although Xizor is killed in the climax of Shadows of the Empire there’s no reason to believe he can’t be reworked as a major criminal force during the post-Return of the Jedi era. We saw Black Sun lieutenants on several Clone Wars episodes. Xizor needs to make an appearance.

Boba Fett’s history with Cad Bane

The Book of Boba Fett concludes with a reference to the shared history of Boba Fett and Cad Bane. Cad Bane was the greatest bounty hunter during the Clone Wars Era. He took a young Boba, a widow, under his wing and trained him to become a deadly hunter.

Problem is, we haven’t seen any definitive accounts of their time together. The relationship was meant to form the basis of the Clone Wars animated show’s story arc. However, it was one of many tales left behind after Cartoon Network pulled the plug on the series. To give fans a glimpse of the potential, only a few snippets remain of the animation that was never completed.

We wonder if The Book of Boba Fett season 2 might shed some light on this missing part of Boba’s story. Cad Bane is clearly dead in the present, for however much it even matters in a show that allows major characters to cheat death with cybernetics. However, there is still a possibility of another flashback subplot from the Clone Wars.

Season 1’s flashbacks shed light on Boba’s escape from Sarlacc, and his time among Tusken Raiders. Season 2 could pivot to examine Boba’s training under Cad Bane. It would give context and emotional weight to their final duel in season 1. This flashback storyline could be used to tee up Bane’s return if he does cheat death.

Han Solo Will Appear In The Book of Boba Fett

Fans have wondered since The Book of Boba Fett’s announcement if they might see a rematch with Boba and Han Solo, his most elusive prey. Boba Fett was motivated by revenge against the man who pushed him into a gigantic monster pit. This is evident in several Legends stories including Dark Empire.

After securing his power in Season 1, Fett may now turn his attention towards settling another old debt in Season 2. Alden Ehrenreich might have the opportunity to play his part from Solo: A Star Wars Story again. It is possible, however, that Lucasfilm will digitally create a young Harrison Ford based on the show’s treatment of Luke Skywalker.

“Either way, it’s less work for me!”

Season 2 could be viewed from this angle, but we aren’t convinced that Boba Fett is motivated to hate Han. Boba has already repaid that debt and seems to be more at fault for the Sarlacc ordeal than anyone else. Boba now has a better perspective of life. He realizes he made a mistake in serving others rather than taking responsibility for his actions. Han Solo may be seen by him as a relic from a past life. Assuming Han doesn’t blunder back into Boba Fett’s path again. He’s good at it.

See more about The Book of Boba Fett to learn how it adds to Jedi lore, and why Grogu’s decision could influence the future of Star Wars.

Jesse is an IGN staff writer. He is very friendly. Let Jesse lend a hand to your intellectual jungle by following @jschedeen on Twitter.