Count Dooku, portrayed by Christopher Lee in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, is a former Jedi turned Sith Lord. Jango Fett, played by Temuera Morrison, is the notorious bounty hunter whose legacy is tied to the clone army. Their unlikely partnership is rooted in the machinations of the Sith and the galaxy-spanning schemes of Darth Sidious.
The Encounter: Dooku and Jango’s First Meeting
Count Dooku, now known as Darth Tyranus, sought a template for a secret army. The Sith Lord required a subject who could provide unmatched combat skills, tactical brilliance, and unwavering loyalty. Jango Fett, already infamous for his bounty hunting prowess and Mandalorian heritage, became the prime candidate. This meeting took place in the shadowy dealings orchestrated by Dooku, away from the prying eyes of the Republic and Jedi.
The two connected through the machinations of the Sith, where Jango’s reputation as a deadly fighter reached Dooku’s ears. Jango, uninterested in politics but intrigued by the prospect of immense compensation, accepted the offer. Dooku’s manipulation and charisma likely played a part in sealing the deal.
The Kamino Project: Creating the Clone Army
Count Dooku enlisted Jango Fett not only as the genetic blueprint for the Republic’s Grand Army but also as a key figure in the Sith’s grand design. On Kamino, Jango provided his DNA for the cloning process. Unlike other templates, Jango’s clones were engineered for enhanced obedience and skill.
Jango’s specific demands, including the creation of Boba Fett as an unaltered clone, showcased his intent to leave a lasting legacy. Count Dooku’s role as the intermediary between Jango and the Kaminoans ensured the project’s secrecy.
Shared Ideals and Strategic Alliance
Dooku and Jango shared a pragmatic view of the galaxy. While Dooku’s vision was steeped in the Sith’s pursuit of power, Jango’s motivations were simpler—wealth and survival. This alignment of interests fostered a unique understanding between the Sith Lord and the bounty hunter.
Their alliance exemplified mutual respect. Dooku saw Jango as a skilled and resourceful warrior, while Jango appreciated Dooku’s sophisticated demeanor and clear objectives. Unlike many Sith, Dooku maintained a veneer of civility, which likely appealed to Jango’s pragmatic nature.
Moments of Trust and Testing
During the events leading to the Clone Wars, Jango Fett’s loyalty to Count Dooku was tested. Their collaboration extended beyond Kamino, with Jango serving as Dooku’s enforcer. Missions for the Separatists placed Jango in dangerous situations, but his loyalty remained steadfast.
The arena battle on Geonosis highlighted this bond. When Jango confronted Jedi such as Mace Windu, it was under the directive of Count Dooku. Despite the chaos of battle, Dooku’s calm observation of the situation underscored his reliance on Jango as both an ally and a pawn.
The Legacy of Their Partnership
The fallout from this partnership echoed throughout the galaxy. Jango Fett’s death at the hands of Mace Windu marked the end of their direct collaboration but not their impact. The clone army, molded from Jango’s DNA, served as the backbone of the Republic during the Clone Wars, secretly advancing Dooku’s agenda.
Dooku’s eventual downfall did not erase the significance of his role in orchestrating the clone project. Similarly, Jango’s influence persisted through Boba Fett and the millions of clones fighting across the galaxy.
The Philosophical Divide
While Dooku wielded the Force and sought galactic dominance, Jango remained grounded in the practicalities of survival and legacy. This contrast added depth to their alliance. The Sith’s manipulation of individuals like Jango highlighted the divide between those with grand designs and those navigating the galaxy’s harsh realities.
Legacy and Influence
Count Dooku and Jango Fett left a profound mark on the galaxy. Their partnership symbolized the delicate balance between loyalty and manipulation, power and practicality. Jango’s DNA shaped the galaxy’s future, while Dooku’s machinations demonstrated the Sith’s ability to influence events on a galactic scale. Both characters remain pivotal figures in the saga, their legacies intertwined through the creation of the Republic’s clone army.
