The galaxy has seen countless bounty hunters, but few stand as legendary as Jango Fett and Cad Bane. Portrayed by Temuera Morrison in Attack of the Clones, Jango Fett was the template for the Republic’s clone army and a ruthless bounty hunter. Cad Bane, voiced by Corey Burton in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, became one of the most cunning and dangerous mercenaries during the Republic’s decline. Together, their stories shaped the galactic underworld and inspired fear across countless systems.
Jango Fett: The Original Bounty Hunter
Jango Fett hailed from Concord Dawn. Orphaned at a young age, Jango was taken in by Mandalorians and trained in combat. This brutal upbringing shaped him into a cold and efficient warrior. Mandalorian armor became his signature, with beskar plates, a Z-6 jetpack, and dual WESTAR-34 blaster pistols. Jango’s skill earned him a reputation, leading the Sith Lord Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku) to recruit him for a secret project.
Chosen as the genetic template for the Grand Army of the Republic, Jango demanded an unaltered clone as payment: Boba Fett. This child became Jango’s legacy, trained in the ways of a bounty hunter. Beyond this, Jango continued to take high-profile contracts. On Kamino, Obi-Wan Kenobi tracked him down while investigating an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala. A fierce battle followed, showcasing Jango’s prowess.
Later, Jango faced Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Petranaki Arena on Geonosis. Armed with his blasters and jetpack, Jango held his ground against battle droids and beasts. However, the fight with Windu proved fatal, marking the end of one of the galaxy’s deadliest mercenaries.
Cad Bane: The Hunter of Jedi
Cad Bane rose to prominence in the galaxy’s underworld during the Clone Wars. A Duros from the Outer Rim, Bane possessed unmatched cunning and skill. Unlike many bounty hunters, Bane specialized in fighting Jedi. Armed with a pair of LL-30 blaster pistols, gauntlets with hidden weapons, and rocket boots, Bane thrived in situations where others failed.
During the Clone Wars, Bane worked for various factions, including the Sith. Count Dooku and Darth Sidious often relied on his abilities for missions requiring secrecy and precision. Bane infiltrated the Jedi Temple to steal a holocron containing the names of Force-sensitive children. This mission displayed his intelligence and mastery of strategy, as well as his ability to outwit the Jedi.
One of Bane’s most memorable encounters involved a kidnapping mission. Tasked with abducting Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Bane used deception and an array of gadgets to infiltrate Coruscant’s Senate building. Though captured briefly, Bane later escaped Republic custody, proving his resilience and tactical brilliance.
Cad Bane also crossed paths with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, often escaping their clutches. The Duros mercenary remained one step ahead of the Republic and the Jedi throughout the Clone Wars.
A Forgotten Duel
Jango Fett and Cad Bane’s paths nearly crossed in The Clone Wars. During an unreleased arc of the series, Bane was set to train a young Boba Fett. In this storyline, Bane intended to mentor Boba, teaching the young clone the ways of the bounty hunter trade.
This arc also teased a confrontation between Bane and Jango Fett before Jango’s death. A showdown between these two icons of the galactic underworld would have solidified their reputations as equals. Though the arc never came to fruition, it left fans speculating about how such a duel might have ended.
Legacy in the Galaxy
Jango Fett’s influence extended far beyond his death. The clone troopers fought as a testament to his genetic perfection, and his son, Boba Fett, carried on the Fett name. Boba grew into a feared bounty hunter, wearing armor similar to his father’s. The Fett legacy shaped the galaxy’s perception of Mandalorians and bounty hunters for generations.
Cad Bane’s story continued into the rise of the Empire. Known for his cold demeanor and calculating mind, Bane operated for decades, leaving a trail of fear and destruction. During the Imperial era, Bane became a legend, his name spoken in hushed tones in the criminal underworld.
Jango Fett and Cad Bane symbolized the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunters. Their tales intertwined with the rise and fall of galactic powers, leaving a mark on the Star Wars timeline that will never be forgotten.
