Warning: SPOILERS for The Book of Boba Fett episode 3.
In Return of the Jedi after falling into the Sarlacc pit; however, The Book of Boba Fett shows the former bounty hunter escaping from the Sarlacc and going on to take Jabba the Hutt's place as a crime boss on Tatooine. Unfortunately, the residents of Tatooine, including Mayor Mok Shaiz of Mos Espa (voiced by co-showrunner Robert Rodriguez), aren't making it easy for him.
In Book of Boba Fett episode 3, a water-monger named Lortha Peel (Stephen Root) goes to Boba Fett to complain about a gang of street youths. According to Peel, the youths stole his inventory, and he wants Boba Fett, Tatooine's new Daimyo, to do something about it. After confronting the youths, including Sophie Thatcher's Drash, Boba Fett learns the monger is overcharging for water and the street gang can't find work. So to fix the situation, Boba Fett pays the monger a meager amount for his trouble and hires the street gang as additional muscle.
An interesting Star Wars painting appears in Book of Boba Fett episode 3, and it has a secret Luke Skywalker reference. During the episode, Boba Fett's street gang uses Vespa-like speeder bikes to chase one of the mayor's representatives. During the chase scene, one of the gang crashes through a painting of Jabba the Hutt that Tatooine residents are carrying through the streets of Mos Espa. Though the scene happens quickly, the painting is actually Return of the Jedi concept art from legendary artist Ralph McQuarrie. The original artwork shows Luke Skywalker bargaining with Jabba for Han Solo's release. Interestingly, Boba Fett stands by Jabba's side. However, the show subtly removes Luke Skywalker from the picture.
There are several reasons the show removed Luke Skywalker from the painting. For instance, though the painting is concept art for Return of the Jedi, in the Star Wars universe, it was likely commissioned by Jabba the Hutt or done by someone iring the former crime lord. Someone may have taken it from his palace following Jabba's death. With that in mind, the in-universe artist wouldn't likely include Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker. This is a tribute to Jabba the Hutt, not the Jedi who helped bring about his downfall. Additionally, the show would likely save a surprising Luke Skywalker cameo for a later episode, even in a painting. Since Book of Boba Fett isn't even halfway through its first season, there's no need to show Luke Skywalker just yet.
Ultimately, the painting is a clever Easter egg and a nod towards Ralph McQuarrie. After McQuarrie died in 2012, Star Wars creator George Lucas issued a statement praising the concept artist. “Ralph McQuarrie was the first person I hired to help me envision ‘Star Wars,’” Lucas said, adding that his contribution "propelled and inspired" all of the cast and crew of the original trilogy. The Book of Boba Fett regularly incorporates elements from the original trilogy, including everything from the Sarlacc to the Tusken Raiders. So the episode 3 Easter egg fits perfectly as a tribute to McQuarrie and a subtle wink to Luke Skywalker, at least from a certain point of view.
The Book of Boba Fett streams Wednesdays on Disney+.
