As science fiction fans clamour to attend Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition at The O2 arena there was cause for special interest this week as they were joined by none other than Boba Fett. The actor Jeremy Bulloch who played Darth Vader’s hired bounty hunter on screen dropped in at the London venue to add his endorsement to the proceedings.
Critically acclaimed exhibition
Running through until September 3, the critically acclaimed exhibition is surely a must for any ardent follower of the Star Wars franchise. A vast array of highlights includes the opportunity to explore the notion of identity through the characters depicted in the Star Wars films and to sample an interactive identity quest as the attendee seeks to find and develop their own unique Star Wars character.
Vast array of props and costumes
In addition to catching a sneak glimpse into the development of many of the films’ major characters from the last 40 years, visitors to the London show can view around 200 items from the archive of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Items including props, models, artworks and costumes from the Star Wars film series feature prominently in the exhibition as it seeks to spark interest across the generations.
Boba Fett’s appeal
Boba Fett has attracted something of a cult status over the years among science fiction fans, with his mysterious and dangerous persona appealing to many Star Wars viewers. Besides being hired by the iconic, central character Darth Vader as a bounty hunter, he was also utilised by the slug-like manifestation Jabba the Hutt.
The 72-year-old Bulloch portrayed Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy, the role that the veteran English actor has become most associated with over a lengthy showbiz career. Older television viewers may also remember him featuring in the likes of popular shows such as Doctor Who and Robin of Sherwood.
James Bond links
Avid James Bond fans may also find his face familiar, as Bulloch was given minor roles in several films that featured the famous British super spy during his Roger Moore days. He played the part of Smithers, an assistant to the gadget-loving ‘Q’ in For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy, after previously popping up in The Spy Who Loved Me.
It is his Boba Fett portrayal that will continue to resonate though one suspects, through the memories of classic films such as The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
