The Legendary ROCKET FIRING BOBA FETT

The Rocket Firing Boba Fett action figure is considered the Holy Grail of Star Wars toy collecting, largely due to its rarity and the story behind its limited production and release. Originally created by Kenner in 1979, this figure featured a rocket-launching mechanism integrated into Boba Fett’s jetpack, which fired small plastic missiles. This feature was heavily advertised and highly anticipated by fans, as Boba Fett had become an iconic character following his debut in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special and the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back13.

However, the rocket-firing functionality never made it to general retail distribution. Early production samples—estimates suggest around 100 prototypes—were made with the firing missile feature intact. Several of these prototypes escaped into collectors’ hands, but before the figure was widely released, Kenner’s parent company reconsidered its safety due to concerns about the small missile being a choking hazard. The decision was influenced in part by a tragic incident involving a Mattel Battlestar Galactica toy, whose spring-loaded plastic missiles had resulted in injuries and at least one child’s death1235.

In response, Kenner reengineered the firing mechanism multiple times in an effort to create a safer version. Initial designs involved a spring-loaded lever that could fire the rocket, but the legal and safety teams grew increasingly worried. This led to modifications such as the “L-Slot” and later the “J-Slot” mechanisms, which required more deliberate actions to fire the missile, theoretically reducing accidental launches; however, these designs were ultimately deemed insufficiently safe12.

Ultimately, Kenner chose to eliminate the firing function altogether for the mass market version. The rockets were permanently affixed to the backpack, glued in place, and no longer capable of launching. This non-firing version was distributed through a mail-away promotion, where customers could send in proofs of purchase from other Star Wars figures to receive Boba Fett. The packaging even included a notice explaining that the rocket firing feature had been removed for safety reasons34.

Physically, the Boba Fett figure includes a slightly larger version of the standard Imperial blaster, used by other antagonists in the Star Wars figure line. Additionally, the figure came with two small rockets designed for the jetpack—one rocket could be plugged in visually for appeal, while the other was the actual projectile in the prototype models4.

Because the rocket-firing capability was never released commercially, the prototype figures with functioning launchers have become incredibly valuable and highly sought after by collectors. Recent auctions have seen these rare prototypes fetch prices in excess of a million dollars, making the Rocket Firing Boba Fett the most expensive vintage toy ever sold2359.

In summary, the legendary Rocket Firing Boba Fett action figure remains a legendary piece in Star Wars toy history due to its:

• Limited production and prototype status with functioning rocket launcher

• Recall and modification due to safety concerns and choking hazards

• Inclusion of a larger blaster and two rocket accessories—one visually enhanced for display

• Cultural status as the ultimate collectible and one of the rarest and most valuable Star Wars toys ever made12345.

This figure’s story is intertwined with toy safety history, corporate caution, and fan lore, preserving its status as a Holy Grail in Star Wars collecting circles.