'The Book of Boba Fett' will start streaming on December 29, and in the lead up to its release, fans are wondering whether any of the defected clones from 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' (aka 'Clone Force 99') will make an appearance in the live-action show.
'The Book of Boba Fett' will see the return of Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen, who will be reprising their roles as Boba Fett and Fennec Shand. The actors first appeared in 'The Mandalorian' Season 1, however, both characters can be found in other 'Star Wars' canon - Boba is in 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi', while Shand recently appeared in 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch'.
Needless to say, the hit animated show is canon, and has now been greenlit for a second season. But Fennec Shand isn't the only thread that connects the two shows, as 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' revolves around a group of defected clones who flee the newly-formed Galactic Empire following Order 66, which has turned all the other clones in the Grand Army against the Jedi.
Not only that, but young female clone Omega turns out to be the sister of Boba Fett himself - at least by blood, as she's a direct replication of original source-clone Jango Fett. While the two are yet to meet, it's possible Omega may show up in 'The Book of Boba Fett'. But what about Clone Force 99 - Tech, Wreck, Hunter, Echo and Crosshair? Could they show up in the live-action show?
It's unclear whether 'The Book of Boba Fett' will be a limited series or not, and we'll just have to wait and see how successful it is. Nevertheless, it's now only weeks away, and it's possible that other 'Star Wars' characters will make an appearance in the show. But seeing as Boba Fett has close ties with Omega and Clone Force 99, seeing them in live-action is a huge possibility.
With that said, for all we know, Boba has already had encounters with them off-screen, although this is probably unlikely. As 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' looks like it's here to say (its predecessor 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' did get seven seasons, after all), it's difficult to tell where our animated clones will end up as the series goes on.
It's possible they're not even alive at the time of 'The Book of Boba Fett' - which is set around the same time as 'The Mandalorian', some five years after 'Return of the Jedi', but we like to think they are. And besides, it could be a foolish move on Disney and Lucasfilm's part if all these characters are due to be killed off in the animated show.
If Clone Force 99 is going to show up anywhere, then 'The Book of Boba Fett' is the most likely show. While other live-action shows such as 'The Mandalorian' and the upcoming 'Obi-Wan Kenobi', 'Andor' and 'Ahsoka' will probably have their doors open too, seeing as Boba Fett is actually a clone, it makes sense to bring in some of his relatives.
'The Book of Boba Fett' will be set in the faraway galaxy's criminal underworld, and judging by the trailer, it looks like it will take place mostly on Tatooine (though we could be wrong). While 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' does a lot of world-hopping (in true 'Star Wars' fashion), having some of its characters appear in the live-action show shouldn't be ruled out.
'The Book of Boba Fett' takes place 28 years after the Clone Wars ended - which is when 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' takes place. For all we know, Clone Force 99 has disbanded. Or maybe they're still together. The possibilities are endless. But it all really hinges on whether the show focuses on Boba's history (which is possible, considering 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' explores his origins).
All we know is that Fennec Shand has had encounters will these characters, including Omega. On the other hand, as far as we know, she doesn't know who Omega really is, so there's no need to bring her up in 'The Book of Boba Fett'. So if Omega isn't relevant, then neither is Clone Force 99. Technically speaking, they're not even related to Boba Fett, as they're defected clones.
While most of the clones clearly originate from the same gene pool, this doesn't make them close relatives of Boba Fett. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see just how Tech, Wrecker, Echo, Hunter, and Crosshair are cast if they ever do show up in live-action, whether it's in 'The Book of Boba Fett' or another 'Star Wars' show altogether - or even a 'Star Wars' movie.
These clones do have similar facial features (and New Zealand accents) as all the other clones, but they look different enough that Disney and Lucasfilm can probably get away with no duplicating Temuera Morrison on screen multiple times! While the actor did portray his father Jango Fett in 'Attack of the Clones', it would make very little sense to have him play the entire Bad Batch.
Related: Will Omega Appear in The Book of Book of Boba Fett?
Each member has a pretty distinct look that separates them from other clones. While Hunter is probably the closest in terms of his physical build, Echo is pale and part-machine, Echo and Crosshair are both lean, while Wrecker is tall and incredibly muscular. Disney and Lucasfilm would have quite the challenge on their hands if they chose Temuera Morrison to play all five!
Whatever happens, it's fun to speculate in the meantime, and it would be awesome to see these characters - or even one of them - show up in 'The Book of Boba Fett'. It would certainly make for some interesting interactions between the clones and Boba Fett. And if they all team up to take down whatever enemy is going to come Boba's way, we're in for some incredible action scenes!
'The Book of Boba Fett' lands on December 29 on Disney+. No official date has been revealed for 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' Season 2, however, it's expected to arrive sometime in 2022.
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