Who Is Stronger: Boba Fett Or The Mandalorian?
In the years since its inception, the "Star Wars" franchise has seen an incredible expansion in virtually all directions. While this has meant elaboration on integral story elements, such as the trials and tribulations of the Skywalker family, the Jedi and Sith conflict, and the endless tug-of-war for political power in the galaxy, once-minor aspects got a brighter spotlight as well. Arguably the most popular byproduct of this worldbuilding centered on the culture of the Mandalorians, from which a handful of characters have risen to pop culture prominence.
Though his status as one was the center of debate for many years, Boba Fett (most recently portrayed by Temuera Morrison) was the first Mando the "Star Wars" fandom met in 1980. He didn't have a lot to do, but his mere presence in "The Empire Strikes Back" made him a fan-favorite in short order. However, in recent years, the lead of Disney+'s "The Mandalorian," Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), has challenged his place as everyone's favorite helmeted gunslinger. This bounty hunter-turned-surrogate father took over the small screen in 2019 — asserting himself as one of the faces of "Star Wars" in no time.
The second season of "The Mandalorian" saw Fett and Djarin team up for a few episodes before eventually parting ways without so much as a scuffle. Therefore, we're left to speculate on the million-dollar question: who is the strongest between Din Djarin and Boba Fett? Let's take a look at these two "Star Wars" mainstays and try our best to determine the winner of their hypothetical showdown.
Fearless is Din Djarin's middle name
First and foremost, let's dive into what Din Djarin brings to the table based on what we've seen throughout his "Mandalorian" tenure. He's a skilled hand-to-hand fighter, has several useful gadgets at his disposal — including an Amban phase-pulse blaster, a brand-new jetpack, whistling bird wrist missiles, and more — and he can find his way out of pretty much any sticky situation. He's also capable of being a team player and even a leader when need be. This all puts him at least on par with Boba Fett, but it's his risk-taking nature that sets him apart from the "Star Wars" legend.
Din Djarin's daredevil side manifested itself early on in the first season of "The Mandalorian" and never truly went away. He went head-to-head with a mudhorn, recklessly scaled a moving Sandcrawler, and repeatedly fought and overcame Imperial forces despite being woefully outmanned and outgunned. Season 2 upped the ante significantly, too, with Djarin slaying a monstrous krayt dragon, warding off a hive of krykna, and holding his own against Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) in a one-on-one duel. In short, this Mando is fearless, and he's not afraid to prove it.
Boba Fett is a survivor
On the other hand, there's Boba Fett: a man who didn't earn a reputation as the galaxy's most fearsome bounty hunter due to lack of trying. Beginning in the waning months of the clone war, he honed his craft in the criminal underworld, successfully carrying out contracts of all varieties and eliminating anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. Much like Din Djarin, Fett carries an arsenal of weapons at all times and is a brutal combatant. If you manage to take him down, you'd better count your days because he's coming back with a vengeance.
There's no denying that Boba Fett has seen his fair share of defeats over the years — most notably falling to his doom courtesy of a blinded Han Solo (Harrison Ford) — however, he's nothing if not a survivor. Whether he's trying (and failing) to kill Mace Windu and avenge the death of his father, Jango Fett, or becoming a light snack for the Sarlacc, Boba Fett always bounces back with fire in his eyes. For evidence of this, just watch him make short work of stormtroopers on Tython or exact revenge on the gluttonous Bib Fortuna (Matthew Wood) during "The Mandalorian" Season 2.
The verdict
So, with all of this background in mind, it's time to come down to the final answer of who the strongest Mandalorian is. In truth, the answer can go either way depending on two important factors: context and time. If we were to base this entire debate purely on what we see on "The Mandalorian," chances are Din Djarin would take home the victory. He's younger, in better shape, his weapons are newer, and he didn't recently escape digestion inside of a Sarlacc. Therefore, it may be close, but it stands to reason that Mando is the stronger of the two.
Of course, if the comparison was between Din Djarin and Boba Fett in the prime of his life, the verdict could swing in the latter's favor. As the end of the Galactic Civil War drew near, Fett was at the top of his game as a bounty hunter. There wasn't a target he couldn't take down nor a challenge that he couldn't overcome given time to strategize. He was a tad younger yet boasted experience beyond his years, using the tools of the era to great effect. With that said, if you turn back the clock, Boba Fett's chances of outshining Din Djarin increase significantly.
At the end of the day, the Boba Fett versus Din Djarin debate ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you think one is stronger than the other, then you're entitled to that opinion. After all, both have a compelling case on their side with plenty of room for friendly debate.