Jango Fett, played by Temuera Morrison, is one of the most iconic bounty hunters in Star Wars lore. His story is one of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. The tale of Jango Fett and Montross begins on the harsh world of Concord Dawn, where both warriors were raised in the ranks of the Mandalorians. Once fighting side by side, the two eventually became bitter enemies. This rivalry would shape the fate of Jango Fett and cast a shadow over Mandalorian history.
Growing Up on Concord Dawn
Concord Dawn was a violent and unforgiving Outer Rim planet. Jango Fett grew up during a period of chaos when the Mandalorians were engaged in internal strife. The Death Watch, a ruthless splinter group, sought to overthrow Mandalorian leadership. Jango’s family fell victim to one of their raids. During this attack, Jango’s parents were killed, but Jaster Mereel, the leader of the True Mandalorians, rescued him.
Jaster Mereel took Jango under his wing, raising him as a warrior and teaching him the Mandalorian way. Montross was already a seasoned Mandalorian warrior in Jaster’s ranks by the time Jango joined. Montross and Jango developed a bond akin to that of brothers. Both warriors respected Jaster Mereel, who upheld the Mandalorian Code of honor and discipline.
Montross’ Ambition
Montross was known for his brute strength and skill in battle. However, a thirst for power and recognition began to consume him. Montross often disregarded Jaster Mereel’s orders, favoring tactics that put personal gain over the lives of his fellow warriors. This behavior sowed the first seeds of conflict between Jango Fett and Montross.
The tension escalated during a battle against the Death Watch on Korda Six. Jaster Mereel led the True Mandalorians into an ambush, trusting Montross to cover their retreat. Instead of helping, Montross abandoned the fight, believing Jaster would die and that leadership of the True Mandalorians would fall to him.
Jango Fett Becomes the Leader
Jaster Mereel was killed in the ambush, but Jango Fett survived. The young warrior blamed Montross for Jaster’s death and confronted him. The Mandalorian Code demanded justice for such betrayal. Montross, unrepentant, refused to accept responsibility for his actions.
Jango’s skills and leadership qualities earned the respect of the remaining True Mandalorians. The group chose Jango Fett to succeed Jaster Mereel as their leader. This decision solidified the enmity between Jango Fett and Montross, as Montross believed leadership should have been his.
Betrayal and the Fall of the True Mandalorians
The Death Watch, led by the ruthless Tor Vizsla, continued their campaign against the True Mandalorians. Jango Fett’s leadership was put to the ultimate test during a mission on Galidraan. The True Mandalorians were hired to suppress an insurgency but were set up by corrupt politicians working with the Death Watch. The Jedi Order was sent to intervene, believing the Mandalorians to be the aggressors.
Montross saw the impending doom and abandoned Jango and the True Mandalorians once again. This betrayal led to the slaughter of the True Mandalorians at the hands of the Jedi. Jango Fett was captured and sold into slavery, while Montross disappeared, leaving behind the shattered remnants of the Mandalorian faction.
Jango Fett’s Revenge
Jango Fett eventually escaped slavery and sought vengeance against those who had wronged him. Tor Vizsla and the Death Watch were his first targets. Jango hunted them down and destroyed much of their organization, ensuring the True Mandalorians’ honor would not be forgotten.
Montross remained a thorn in Jango’s side. Now working as a mercenary, Montross sought to outshine Jango in the galaxy’s bounty hunting circles. The rivalry between Jango Fett and Montross became legendary.
The Final Confrontation
The feud between Jango Fett and Montross reached its climax during a mission to retrieve a Mandalorian artifact. Montross attempted to sabotage Jango’s efforts but underestimated his former comrade’s skills. Jango ultimately defeated Montross in single combat, proving once and for all who was the superior warrior.
The victory cemented Jango Fett’s legacy as one of the galaxy’s deadliest bounty hunters. Jango would go on to become the genetic template for the Grand Army of the Republic, shaping the future of the galaxy during the Clone Wars.
Legacy
The rivalry between Jango Fett and Montross serves as a cautionary tale in Mandalorian history. Montross’ betrayal and ambition contrasted sharply with Jango’s loyalty and sense of honor. Jango’s story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the Mandalorian spirit.
Jango Fett wielded twin WESTAR-34 blaster pistols and donned customized Mandalorian armor. Though not a Force user, his skill and cunning made him a formidable foe for Jedi and bounty hunters alike. Montross, armed with brute strength and heavy weaponry, served as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.
The saga of Jango Fett and Montross left an indelible mark on Star Wars history, shaping the legacy of the Mandalorians in a galaxy far, far away.
