The Yuzzum Reference In The Book Of Boba Fett Explained
Chapter 4 of "The Book of Boba Fett" is here and it brings with it a number of reveals. We get more of Boba's backstory, a lot of hints about where all of this might be headed, and, as is so often the case with "Star Wars" things, plenty of in-universe references. One seemingly throwaway line, however, actually connects to a pretty unique part of the franchise's past, specifically "Return of the Jedi." But the reference in question is about something pretty specific, and it's quite tongue-in-cheek. Let's dig in.
Warning: spoilers ahead for "The Book of Boba Fett." Proceed with caution.
Singing Like a Yuzzum
Early on in the episode, Boba Fett asks Fennec Shand about the Mayor's majordomo, who was captured in Chapter 3. In regards to spilling information, Fennec informs Boba that he is singing "like a Yuzzum." This implies that he is saying whatever he has to say to save his life, as he has few other options at this point. But what is a Yuzzum?
A Yuzzum is a creature in "Star Wars," but it's not exactly a throwaway reference. It's a creature that has ties to Jabba's Palace and one particularly controversial scene from "Return of the Jedi." To be more specific, a scene that was added to the 1997 "Special Edition."
A History of Yuzzums In Jaba's Palace
Interestingly enough, Yuzzums (pictures above) actually hail from Endor, the same place that the Ewoks call home in the "Star Wars" galaxy. But, as the tale goes, some of them hitched rides on ships off-world and made different lives for themselves. There are two that are relevant to fans, and they both worked for Jabba in some capacity. The first goes by the name of Wam Lufba and was said to be an exterminator working at the crime lord's palace.
Give my left nut for this dude just for the weird factor... love a yuzzum in my life. pic.twitter.com/mycT3xJWsi
— Pilonidal Sith (@Jesse_James77) June 22, 2020
There he is right there. Charming little fellow, isn't he? But the exterminator is not the one this reference is getting it. Rather, it was another Yuzzum by the name of Joh Yowza who is known for his pipes and appeared in a very controversial scene attached to the 1997 re-release of "Return of the Jedi." For those who haven't connected the dots yet and need a refresher, here you go:
Indeed, it appears Fennec is referencing, quite directly, the infamous song-and-dance number that George Lucas felt the need to include in the 1997 release of "Return of the Jedi," giving Joh Yowza relevance once again in the current "Star Wars" era. And Boba Fett was right there to see the above performance right before he took his famous spill into the Sarlacc pit. It all comes back around.
"The Book of Boba Fett" returns with new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.