In the “Take this with a HUGE grain of salt” file, comes an unsubstantiated rumor that Disney is hoping to score Michael Fassbender for the role of Boba Fett in what could be a series of films starring the famous ‘Star Wars’ mercenary. Fassbender has made quite a name for himself since his breakout role in ‘Inglorious Basterds’ as well as films like ‘Prometheus’ and ’12 Years A Slave,’ but of course his main claim to fame is playing Magneto in ‘X-Men: First Class’ and ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past.’ He will also reprise his signature role in 2016’s ‘X-Men: Apocalypse.’
Reportedly, Disney would also like to employ the charismatic British actor to tackle the role of Boba Fett in a spin off directed by Gareth Edwards, from their upcoming ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Boba Fett is one of the most popular characters from the original movie series, despite having a tiny part in ‘Empire Strikes Back’ and dying within the first hour of ‘Return of the Jedi’ (apparently, as he was resurrected in later comics and prose novels) with very few lines. But… he looks neat.
Boba Fett sports a nifty suit of armor, complete with wrist grappling hook launcher and missle-firing jetpack and pilots the sleek Slave-1 spaceship. In addition, he was the subject of one of the biggest mysteries in the ‘Star Wars’ toy line, when Kenner offered a “Rocket Firing” version of the toy as a mail-away offer, which never actually materialized. Allegedly, the rocket was a choking hazard so the feature was dropped. The existence of the original “Rocket Firing” version was the stuff of legends for decades, until it was recently proven to be fact when a prototype surfaced on the reality show ‘Toy Hunter’.
Boba Fett’s completely concealed appearance, lack of dialogue, the mystery around his action figure and his flat out coolness has led to a cult following. It’s no wonder why Disney wants to tap into that and give the character his own movie and possible franchise. And so far, Fassbender has excelled in roles that call for aloof composure.
Allegedly, Disney hopes to have a ‘Boba Fett’ movie in theaters in 2016, but Fassbender is currently filming the biopic ‘Steve Jobs’ and is already attached to ‘X-Men: Apocalypse,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed’ (a film version of the games) and ‘Prometheus 2.’ That would seem to rule out shooting a big budget, effects heavy film due out next year. Not to mention the fact that most big name movies these days are announced YEARS in advance. Remember what I said about that grain of salt.
It’s entirely possible Disney will court Fassbender for the role. I think he’d be great! I do worry that over-exposure could ruin the mystique of Boba Fett, a character whose popularity seems built entirely on that concept.
What do you thinks? Would you like to see Fassbender portray Boba Fett in a titular movie?
Source: Cinema Blend