Why Crimson Jack’s Fate in Star Wars Legends is Superior to Greedo’s: A Deep Dive into Han Shooting First

The character of Crimson Jack has made an intriguing entrance into the live-action Star Wars universe through the series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. His original narrative concluded with a dramatic showdown that may evoke memories of Han Solo’s fateful encounter with Greedo. The contemporary Star Wars canon has introduced its version of the infamous pirate captain in a recent comic series. However, Skeleton Crew reveals that Jude Law’s character, Jod Na Nawood, has adopted “Crimson Jack”as an alias, suggesting a potential connection between the two incarnations.

Within the Star Wars Legends continuity, Crimson Jack is portrayed as a ruthless and cunning pirate, often regarded as a formidable adversary to Han Solo. In classic Marvel Star Wars comics, Jack confronts Solo and Chewbacca shortly after the events of A New Hope, robbing them in a move that complicates their ongoing obligation to Jabba the Hutt. This initial encounter leads into a pivotal five-issue story arc in which Crimson Jack emerges as the central antagonist in a gripping duel against Han Solo.

Crimson Jack’s Final Duel With Han Solo

In an unusual setting for the Star Wars series, Han Solo and Crimson Jack’s definitive duel transpires in the vastness of deep space, contrasting with the typical ship-centered battles. In a remarkable narrative twist, Crimson Jack’s Star Destroyer generates an energy field that connects to the Millennium Falcon, enabling the two rivals to meet in open space without extensive protective gear, apart from essential oxygen supplies. What began as a straightforward exchange morphed into a fierce blaster duel.

This Time, Han Shot First

Although the energy field provided some level of safety from the dangers of the surrounding vacuum, both combatants were still susceptible to blaster damage. The initial exchanges between Crimson Jack and Han Solo occurred simultaneously. However, as Jack became preoccupied with the ensuing larger space battle, Han Solo seized the moment, delivering a decisive shot. This encounter resonates with fans, reminiscent of Han Solo’s controversial showdown with the bounty hunter Greedo in A New Hope.

At the time of the comic’s publication, there had only been one depiction of the Han Solo-Greedo exchange, featuring Solo firing in self-defense against the impulsive bounty hunter. This scene has been notoriously altered across various releases, notably in the 1997 Star Wars Special Edition, which featured Greedo shooting first. Subsequent releases gradually pushed the timeline of their shots closer together, but Han Solo and Crimson Jack’s altercation, beginning with simultaneous fire, ultimately highlights Solo’s unambiguous shooting of first.

Skeleton Crew Release Date Schedule
Episode	Director	Release Date
Episode 3	David Lowery	December 10
Episode 4	The Daniels	December 17
Episode 5	Jake Schreier	December 24
Episode 6	Bryce Dallas Howard	December 31
Episode 7	Lee Isaac Chung	January 7
Episode 8	Jon Watts	January 14