The Book of Boba Fett has taken a detour from its main character over the past two episodes, with the series focusing on The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his story. The sixth episode features a multitude of Star Wars cameos, but the best one was saved for last. After speaking to The Mandalorian about the incoming conflict, Marshal Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant) is confronted by a stranger from the desert.
This stranger is Cad Bane (Corey Burton), who makes his live-action debut after animated appearances in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch. Bane takes down the Marshal and his deputy after he warns them to not side with Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison).
For fans who are unaware, Cad Bane is a very important character throughout The Clone Wars. Bane has also fought multiple Jedi, had dealings with the Sith, and battled Ming-Na Wen’s Fennec Shand on The Bad Batch.
Backstory, Skills and Personality
Cad Bane comes from a species known as Duros, hence his appearance consists of blue skin and giant red eyes. Bane trained as a bounty hunter and eventually became one of the most renowned bounty hunters after Jango Fett was killed by Mace Windu in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. However, before he became a well-renowned bounty hunter he worked alongside Darth Maul on a job during Maul’s time as a Sith Lord.
Bane has a variety of different skills in his arsenal, which is why he is such a renowned bounty hunter. Besides being a great strategist, Bane is great with weaponry and an excellent gunslinger, as showcased in his live-action debut. He prefers the use of twin blasters and has a very quick draw, which is a brilliant skill for duels. Bane also utilizes flamethrowers and jet boots to get an advantage against his enemies. His distinct-looking breathing tubes are used to prevent force users from choking him.
It is Bane’s skills and quick wit that have made him a renowned bounty hunter that has managed to operate and survive throughout the ages of the Galactic Republic, the Empire, and the New Republic. Bane has worked for a number of powerful individuals, including Count Dooku, Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, and Jabba the Hutt.
The bounty hunter has no qualms with what missions he participates in, as he has shown throughout his career. Bane has been involved in numerous heinous crimes, including murder, abducting force-sensitive children for Sidious, and holding Senators hostage. He is always about the credits, with his dedication to his work and ruthless nature helping him retain employment.
His most recent appearance puts him in the employ of the Pyke Syndicate, with the character likely to play a big role in the finale. Bane also seems destined to have a tense reunion with both Fett and Shand.
History with Boba Fett
Many have had reasonable concerns about the previous two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett sidelining its titular character. However, while the two episodes have mainly focused on Din Djarin, the reveal of Cad Bane sets up a major personal conflict for Boba Fett during the season finale.
Some time since The Clone Wars, Bane became a mentor to Fett who wished to learn from the bounty hunter. Since Bane knew Jango Fett, he became a teacher for the young Boba.
From Bane’s comments about Fett during his live-action debut, Bane now holds some disdain towards his former pupil. While we have not seen this conflict occur canonically, The Clone Wars was set to have a four-episode arc featuring Bane training Fett. It would also showcase the relationship between Bane and Jango. This arc would end in a duel between the pair, with the result of the conflict knocking both characters down and denting Fett’s helmet (showcased in an unproduced clip).
While it is unclear whether this cut storyline is canon, it is showcased that Fett’s helmet has the dent left by the duel. Bane also has a plate on his head in The Bad Batch, indicating that the duel did occur off-screen and could be canon. This could be revealed in the season finale, resulting in some bad blood between the pair, with Bane holding a grudge against Fett.
As mentioned earlier, Bane also battled with Fennec Shand in The Bad Batch series. The pair fought over credits and the clone girl Omega, with Shand managing to barely come out on top. Bane will certainly be holding a grudge there and it will be interesting to see whether he manages to get revenge.
Cad Bane’s introduction certainly leads many to believe that the character will have a major role in the season finale. This may extend into further live-action appearances for the deadly, cold-hearted bounty hunter.
