When a series runs as long as Star Wars, things tend to change. From simple name retcons to full-on character evolutions over time, those changes are often necessary to either explain certain discrepancies or to keep things fresh in a world where a small, yet loud group of fans tend to react poorly to anything different.
The Book of Boba Fett covers both of those bases in a way. On one hand, it's been drawing some criticism from some of the more rigid fans who aren't particularly satisfied with the titular character's apparent personality change since his last chronological appearance in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Considering how the man had no personality to speak of in the original trilogy, any change would admittedly be pretty radical at this point. On the other hand, the lore has deepened exponentially since those old films, so things have to be adjusted a bit to account for that.
One such change is the name of Fett's ship, formerly known as Slave 1. Star Wars quietly dropped the iconic ship's name last year via a LEGO playset of all things, and it's not difficult to see why. But since then, fans have wondered exactly what they should call it now. While the model itself is known as the Firespray in canon, some were unsure whether they should simply start using that name instead. Now, Boba Fett actor Temuera Morrison, has a definitive answer.
In an interview with The Wrap, Morrison spoke briefly about the ship. When asked what fans can call it now, he had a straightforward response. "I think we call it the Firespray; I think I've mentioned it in a couple of episodes," he said. "I think it is a gunship now, that's what we're calling it. We're calling it 'Firespray Gunship.'" Boba Fett did indeed refer to it as such in the most recent episode, when he and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) launched a stealth mission to reclaim the ship from Jabba's palace.
It may not be the most ceremonious of names, but it's the official one now. Plus, it sort of goes in line with Boba Fett's character evolution. Back when he was the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy, an intimidating name like Slave 1 would have fit nicely with his slightly more inflated ego. But now, as someone who's grown and become humbler through his time with the Tusken Raiders, such things are probably way less important to him than maintaining alliances and protecting what he holds dear. (Or maybe he just thinks Firespray sounds cooler, because it absolutely does.)
The Book of Boba Fett has been a controversial series among some fans, and changes like this are among the reasons why. But come on, this is Star Wars. It's been over 40 years since the first movie came out. If things stayed the same after all this time, then there would be no point in writing new stories. It's a franchise for everybody, and it has to be flexible enough to allow for new fans. Everybody deserves a chance to love Star Wars.
The Book of Boba Fett airs Wednesdays on Disney Plus.
Source: The Wrap/YouTube