Star Wars: Cad Bane’s Orign Story Completely Redefines His Relationship With Boba Fett

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Over the past decade under Disney’s management, Star Wars has significantly expanded its own universe, giving even minor characters rich histories and new storylines. This is particularly evident in the underworld and its unsavory inhabitants, such as Boba Fett who was a minimal character in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” but has since become an iconic figure with his own TV series (“The Book of Boba Fett”). A similar transformation occurred for deadly gunslinger and bounty hunter, Cad Bane. After making modest appearances in shows like “Clone Wars,” Cad Bane has grown into a more prominent character within the Star Wars franchise.

In one of the latest Star Wars streaming series titled “Tales from the Underworld“, Cad Bane became a key figure. As we delved deeper into the bounty hunter’s past and the influential experiences that molded his early life, it significantly alters how fans perceive the sorrowful narrative shared by Bane and Boba Fett in the Star Wars universe.

Cad Was Once Boba

The three brief episodes in “Chronicles from the Underworld” delve into Cad Bane’s past, showcasing his upbringing on the planet Duro where he was an impoverished orphan known as Colby. Growing up with his friend Nico, they resorted to theft and scams to get by, eventually catching the eye of a local gangster named Lazlo, who had a distinctive brown cowboy hat. Joining Lazlo’s crew, their life of crime was cut short when Nico was arrested during a botched heist, forcing Colby to escape Duro with Lazlo and the gang, embracing a life of criminality fully. Years later, Colby returned to Duro as “Cad Bane,” adopting Lazlo’s cowboy persona and underworld demeanor. Cad Bane solidified his gangster reputation by avenging Lazlo’s death by killing the Marshall responsible. However, a twist of fate occurred when Nico, now a local policeman, returned the favor by apprehending Cad Bane for the first time (though it wouldn’t be the last…).

In a surprising turn of events, Cad Bane’s past is unveiled, which significantly alters our understanding of his relationship with Boba Fett. Years later, during the Clone Wars, they cross paths again. This time, Boba is involved in a joint Republic prison break operation with Bane and another bounty hunter named Bossk. However, thanks to “Tales of the Jedi,” we now understand why Cad Bane recognized potential in young Boba Fett. It’s because he was acquainted with Boba’s clone father, Jango Fett, and could relate to Boba, having experienced the aftermath of losing a (criminal) mentor figure himself.

Daddy Cad Was Never Going to Work

In the storyline of “Tales of the Underworld”, we see that Cad Bane aimed to guide Boba Fett like Lazlo had guided him. However, it becomes clear throughout the narrative that Cad wasn’t a very good mentor or father figure. As a child, Boba was unable to comprehend Lazlo’s manipulative and abusive behavior: he brainwashed and exploited a boy who was lonely and vulnerable.

This lack of genuine care and affection eventually led to problems; although it isn’t fully detailed in the story, we know that during the Clone Wars period, Cad began formally training Boba as a bounty hunter. Unfortunately, their relationship soured significantly, leading to Cad becoming less active in the underworld scene, while Boba Fett, Bossk, IG-88, and others emerged as the new generation of influential bounty hunters for the Imperial Era.

In simpler terms, while it’s not explicitly stated, Cad Bane may have been harsh or even abusive towards Boba Fett during their time together, which could account for Boba’s solitary and tough persona as a bounty hunter. This rough treatment by a father figure, coupled with the loss of his original father, would undoubtedly impact a young boy significantly.

Karma Killed Cad Bane (Not Boba Fett)

In the finale of “The Book of Boba Fett,” there was a traditional showdown, reminiscent of the Old West, between Cad and Boba in the bustling streets of Mos Espa. This duel ultimately resulted in Cad’s demise. Moreover, the series “Tales of the Jedi” subtly reiterates (or resonates like poetry) by delving into the Shakespearean-style tragedy that marked Cad’s past life.

While Cad Bane served time for murdering the marshal, he became estranged from his lover Arin, unaware she was carrying his child. In the meantime, Arin found solace with Nico and started a family together. Nico took on the role of raising Bane’s son as if he were his own. Upon release from prison, Bane harbored resentment that didn’t dissipate. He pursued Nico, ultimately encountering him in a fatal shootout on the street, witnessed by their shared child. It wasn’t until after this tragic event that Bane understood the gravity of his actions and left in disgrace.

In the New Republic Era, Bane found himself working for the Pyke Syndicate once more, this time clashing with Boba Fett’s newly formed syndicate and attempts to seize control of Mos Espa. As in his past encounter with Nico, Cad Bane was forced into a street duel against his former apprentice. Remarkably, just as before, Cad emerged second-best in their gunfight. However, unbeknownst to Bane, Boba Fett had undergone a transformation during his time living among the Tusken Sand People and escaping from the Sarlacc Pit. This newfound moral compass led to a surprising outcome when he defeated and ultimately killed Bane using his gaderffii stick.

In The Book of Boba Fett, we witnessed the shocked expression on Cad Bane’s face as he died, which now leaves us pondering whether his final thoughts might have been a deep, karmic realization.

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2025-08-23 15:11