2. Boba Fett – Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Even before the words of this entry have been written, they’re practically drowned out by the buzz of a legion of pedantic Star Wars fans anxious to point out that Fett didn’t actually die in Return of the Jedi. While there both canon and non-canon stories in which Fett lives to fight another die, his fate in the film itself is somewhat clear. Return of the Jedi goes to great lengths to explain the agonizing death one experiences at the hand (or mouth) of the Sarlacc, and then it pitches Fett right in. The implication is clear.
Though he may not have technically died, Fett’s fate seemed final, and it was incredibly disappointing. After all, Boba Fett was by far one of the most intriguing characters in the original Star Wars trilogy, and his apparent death meant that he was only a relatively minor part of the overall story. Considering the character’s popularity, Fett’s death early in the film was a clear wasted opportunity.
What makes the moment particularly pointless and frustrating is actually the manner of Fett’s apparent demise. One of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunters is laid low by something as ridiculous as a malfunctioning jetpack (thanks to a mostly-blind Han Solo). It’s a moment of almost slapstick comedy that almost ended the arc of one of Star Wars‘ best characters, and that earns it a spot on this list.