The Star Wars universe is overflowing with countless blink-and-you’ll-miss-them characters, which is why the new upcoming Disney+ series The Book of Boba Fett should reach back into franchise lore and explore one of the creepiest characters from The Return of the Jedi. But’s not the Rancor or Sarlacc. It’s actually one many fans have probably never heard of, but likely remember for its bizarre flash on screen — a member of the mysterious B’omarr Order.
When C-3PO and R2-D2 first enter Jabba’s Palace, a spider-like creature is seen scurrying through the shadowy background as they walk down the main entrance hall. It’s an odd moment since it doesn’t really fit the aesthetic of other strange creatures the audience has met so far, nor does it ever get any explanation. What seems like just another random generic creature akin to a robotic spider is far from mundane, and is actually integral to the story of both Jabba and his palace.
The mechanical spiders carry around the brains of monks from the B’omarr Order. The monks put them inside orbs in order to isolate themselves from physical sensation to achieve a heightened state of mental awareness. Jabba's Palace used to be a monastery for the B’omarr Order, which several of them around the universe. However, when the notorious Hutt crime-lord invaded and took it over the one on Tatooine to make it his base of operations, he allowed the monks to remain, even after renovating and fortifying the palace. This is why they still lurk about in Return of the Jedi.
After Jabba the Hutt's death and Bib Fortuna’s eventual ascent to his throne, it could be presumed some members of the Order would have remained about in the palace. If so, audiences could get a real look at these grotesque initial inhabitants of this famous landmark, a structure layered with pages of history long buried beneath.
Exploring the B'omarr Order could force larger contemplation of deeper philosophical storylines and plot devices. While it is a universe filled with great action, the core of Star Wars is good storytelling involving unique creatures and their emotional experiences, choices and struggles with free will. The Book of Boba Fett could use the B’omarr Order as a new vein for looking at other characters who may have unique force-sensitive-like powers, similar to Jedi and Sith. Since the monks are driven only by thoughts, it could be an interesting way to explore the character dynamics of the violent-minded Boba Fett versus an enlightened antagonist.
Not all characters need to carry a blaster or lightsaber to be fascinating. The Star Wars universe has barely scratched the surface of its deep lore. While the latest big screen offerings did little to explore and enhance the diverse roster already established in Stars Wars canon, small screen series like The Mandalorian certainly have. The shows' successes proves audiences have a healthy appetite for expanding characters previously relegated to hanging out in the background, and the B’omarr Order with its oppressive history with the Hutts could be fertile ground to grow great stories.