For many fans, Return of the Jedi stands as the definitive moment when Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett finally crossed paths—a confrontation that didn't exactly end well for the legendary bounty hunter. However, Marvel is expanding the lore within Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park, revealing a forgotten battle between Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett that takes place much earlier in the timeline.
A New Encounter in Galaxy's Edge
The details of this confrontation emerge from a preview for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #1. This upcoming series is designed to integrate iconic characters from the Original Trilogy into the world of Batuu, bridging the gap between the classic era and the Sequel Trilogy cast found at the theme park.
The issue is strategically set in the timeline between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. During this period, Luke Skywalker is a high-priority target with a massive Imperial bounty on his head, making him the perfect mark for Boba Fett.
Key details regarding the new comic include:
- Series Title: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #1
- Release Date: April 22
- Setting: The world of Batuu
- Timeline: Post-Empire Strikes Back
Marvel and Star Wars Canon Continuity
The revelation of this mid-trilogy clash raises interesting questions regarding established Star Wars canon. Some fans might argue that Marvel is altering history, as previous publications suggested an even earlier meeting.
In the 2015 Star Wars run by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday, a battle occurred shortly after A New Hope. In that iteration:
- Boba Fett tracked Luke to Tatooine while the Jedi was returning to Obi-Wan Kenobi's hut.
- Fett used a flash grenade to blind Luke during their skirmish.
- The encounter ended with Fett walking away, having secured the name "Skywalker."
Whether this new series is a direct contradiction or simply a different perspective on a chaotic era remains to be seen. It is also worth noting that Marvel appears to be ignoring the infamous crossover from the Star Wars Holiday Special, which is likely a wise choice for maintaining a cohesive narrative.