Hired Guns: The Bounty Hunters of the Star Wars Universe

Some jobs require the cover of shadows. These underworld missions are fueled by immense reward and unspeakable danger. After all, there is no profession in the galaxy more lucrative (or dangerous) than being a bounty hunter. Soon, on May 4th, Star Wars™ fans will be able to dive into Tales of the Underworld™, and see what it’s like to be Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.

Dealing with the galaxy’s deadliest villains and rogues means the risks often outweigh the rewards. But those select individuals who have the right combination of courage, intellect, and skill can earn their weight in beskar. All it takes is the right bounty.

It’s a perilous profession, but those who excel become legends for all time. Here are some of the most notorious bounty hunters in the Star Wars universe.

---

Jango Fett was the bounty hunter used for clone troopers

Jango Fett was raised by Mandalorians when he was orphaned at a young age. After proving his skill on the battlefield, he eventually became a leader among the warriors. Later, he solidified his infamous identity for killing six Jedi in a single fight with just his bare hands. Through acts like these, Jango Fett earned a reputation throughout the galaxy for being a fierce fighter.

In fact, his skills in combat were so legendary that he became the prototype for the clone troopers. During his days as a bounty hunter, Jango Fett was known as the best one to get a job done. He once even faced off against Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on the watery planet Kamino. Even so, Jango Fett proved to be no match for the Jedi Master Mace Windu. Their encounter sent Jango Fett to an early grave on Geonosis. Though a seemingly minor character in the grand scheme of things, Jango Fett made an enormous impact on the galaxy.

---

Boba Fett was the most famous bounty hunter

As one of the most notorious bounty hunters of all time, Boba Fett operated behind the scenes of many major events during the original Star Wars trilogy. Boba Fett was an unaltered clone of Jango Fett. For this reason, he was personally raised by Jango Fett to be his son. Now there’s a dangerous legacy.

After the death of Jango Fett, young Boba Fett was mentored by a group of elite bounty hunters, including Aurra Sing. As he grew in ability, Boba Fett became one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy. Towards the end of his career, he famously captured the Rebel leader Han Solo, whom he presented frozen in carbonite to Jabba the Hutt. Later, he would find acceptance among Tusken Raiders after surviving a sarlacc pit, team up with Fennec Shand, and become Daimyo of Mos Espa.

---

Cad Bane was a ruthless mercenary

Following the death of Jango Fett, Cad Bane rose to prominence as one of the top bounty hunters in the galaxy. While crossing paths with Anakin Skywalker and his Jedi companions, Bane often did the bidding of dark lords and underworld criminals like Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, and Jabba the Hutt.

Even among his fellow bounty hunters, this Duro-born mercenary was quite skilled. For example, he was the only bounty hunter cunning enough to steal a holocron from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. As the Empire flourished, Bane continued to take devious jobs throughout the galaxy. On one mission, he competed with Fennec Shand to kidnap Omega of the Bad Batch. Later, on Tatooine, Bane would work for the Pyke Syndicate, though this job would be his last after a final showdown with Boba Fett.

---

Asajj Ventress was the most powerful bounty hunter

So far, these bounty hunters have been individuals swayed by money, all but born into the trade. But Asajj Ventress was no ordinary hired gun. At various points in her life, she was trained by the Jedi, the Sith, and the Nightsisters. Such a diverse background made her a deadly assassin well-versed in the ways of the Force. Few who crossed her path survived this warrior’s wrath.

After Ventress was betrayed and abandoned by the Sith, she became a bounty hunter. Her primary weapons were two red lightsabers, though she wields a yellow lightsaber in Tales of the Underworld. In this line of work, she came into conflict with both the Jedi and the Sith. Eventually, Ventress died at the hands of her former Master, Count Dooku, and was later honored by the Jedi for her sacrifice. Throughout her life, she defied labels. Nobody could tell Asajj who she was besides herself.

---

Greedo was blinded by the bounty

Recognize that bright green skin? Best known for his confrontation with Han Solo in the Mos Eisley Cantina, this Rodian’s story ends where the original Star Wars series begins. Chronologically, Greedo first appeared in the prequels, years before the Clone Wars. In fact, Greedo is one of the few individuals to have tussled with Anakin Skywalker as a youngling and lived to tell about it. And that’s saying something.

As a hired gun for Jabba the Hutt, Greedo hoped to bring in the bounty for Han Solo, the infamous captain of the Millennium Falcon. But things did not go well when Han, who definitely shot first, put an end to Greedo before he could claim his prize. At least in death, Greedo became celebrated Star Wars history!

---

IG-88 was a deadly droid bounty hunter

A legendary assassin droid with a calculated approach to capturing his prey, IG-88 was always destined — er, programmed — to be lethal. As a bounty hunter, he has gone after top-tier targets like the Crimson Dawn leader Qi’ra as well as the Rebel leader Princess Leia Organa.

With that in mind, it only makes sense that IG-88 would jump at the chance to go after the object of their affection, Han Solo. Darth Vader deemed IG-88 as one of the few bounty hunters skilled enough for this tricky task. Even after the fall of the Empire, IG-88 was a force to be reckoned with, teaming up with other bounty hunters to reap rewards. Can’t beat that deadly programming.

---

Bossk was also handpicked by Darth Vader

Bossk has been around since the Clone Wars. During that time, the Trandoshan mercenary rubbed shoulders with some of the most notable characters in the galaxy. In his early years, he was also another mentor to Boba Fett, teaching him the ways of bounty hunting.

As the Empire came to power, Bossk once fought on Lothal alongside a young Ezra Bridger. Though this was an unlikely pair, Bossk and pre-Jedi Ezra managed to undermine the local authorities. In what must have been one of the highlights of his career, Bossk was among those selected by Darth Vader to track down Luke Skywalker and his companions.

---

Din Djarin was a bounty hunter with a heart

Weapons are his religion. Known only as The Mandalorian by his enemies and Mando by his friends, this deadly bounty hunter is armed with an impressive character arc. True to the strict teachings of his people and the isolated nature of his profession, Mando was a lone warrior. And he preferred it that way for most of his life.

Adopted by the Mandalorians as a foundling after his parents’ death, Din Djarin worked alone. Then, he unexpectedly developed a soft spot for The Child, AKA Grogu, a former target whom he now protects. Together, they form a clan of two as they make their way through the galaxy. Din Djarin crossed paths with the treacherous Moff Gideon, fellow Mandalorians like The Armorer and Bo-Katan Kryze, and new allies like Cara Dune. Plus, he even teamed up with legendary Force-wielders Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker. It’s safe to say Mando’s adventures are only beginning.

---

IG-11 was a reprogrammed bounty hunter droid

Like IG-88, IG-11 was an assassin droid destined for greatness. He was programmed to take no prisoners — unless there was a bounty involved — and to self-destruct rather than allow for capture. Talk about dedicated!

During the latter part of his career, IG-11 was nearly destroyed by Din Djarin. However, the droid was salvaged, reprogrammed, and repurposed to protect Grogu at all costs (twice!). Essentially IG-11 became a deadly nanny. In the end, IG-11 sacrificed himself to protect the Child, Din Djarin, and his companions from the last remnants of the Empire.

---

Black Krrsantan was a Wookiee bounty hunter

Though it’s rare for Wookiees to leave their homeworld Kashyyyk, Black Krrsantan was disgraced among his people. That’s why he made a name for himself as a gladiator. Augmented with metallic knuckles, Black Krrsantan was feared for his might and ferocity. Due to his dangerous nature, only Boba Fett rivaled Black Krrsantan’s reputation as an elite bounty hunter.

As evidence of his battle skill, Krrsantan even went toe-to-toe with Obi-Wan Kenobi. He nearly bested the Jedi Master, too. This outlaw Wookiee often performed jobs for Jabba, and he also worked for Darth Vader and Doctor Aphra. Later, Krrsantan opposed Boba Fett during the bounty hunter’s takeover of Mos Espa. However, Fett surprised Krrsantan with a show of mercy. The new Daimyo decided to help Krrsantan escape capture. But in the world of bounties, no favor is for free. Perhaps Krrsantan will pop up elsewhere, furry arms swinging.

---

Even Sabine Wren briefly dabbled in bounty hunting! Though, of course, Sabine is better known as a pivotal influence on the early days of the Rebellion. Bounty hunters really do come in all shapes and sizes. Which Star Wars bounty hunter are you?

After you discover your bounty hunter persona, check out Sideshow’s high-end Scum & Villainy collection. Then tell us your favorite Star Wars bounty hunter over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!