What is Huttslayer Leia and why is she significant?
The “Huttslayer” Leia, a title earned by Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars: Bloodline, has emerged in new Star Wars Lego merchandise after an apparent 9 year ban. The title reflects a significant reframing of Leia's controversial "Slave Costume" appearance in Return of the Jedi. Previously, the Slave Costume was often subject to criticism, being considered too sexualizing in comparison to other Star Wars Merchandise. With Star Wars seeking to become more representative, the Huttslayer story refocuses on Leia's heroic act when she chokes Jabba the Hutt, earning the title and becoming more than just a sexualized image in a dangerous scene.
Many fans who are big on Star Wars have even said that the “Huttslayer” Leia should appear as a Lego minifigure - showcasing the empowering narrative behind her character's heroic journey - and with the reintroduction of her "Slave Costume" for LEGO Star Wars it looks as if this is beginning to become a reality. This has prompted new, renewed interest from those who are passionate about Star Wars Merchandise. Huttslayer Leia and her journey have been featured across books and those familiar with the Star Wars Saga know that Leia is a central, compelling character in these stories and continues to be a vital member of the Rebel Alliance (and eventually those who make up the Resistance).
Is There Any Other Star Wars Merchandise Featuring the "Slave Costume"?
Despite earlier speculation about Disney forbidding any Merchandise that features Leia in her infamous Slave Costume from Return of the Jedi - fans have discovered that LEGO has released a new LEGO Star Wars set, showing her in the costume, in an expanded edition of the Jabba Sail Barge set (known for being the primary location for this scene from Star Wars: Episode VI).
The return of Leia's costume, however, may have come about as a reflection on those story elements that were discussed by Claudia Grey (Star Wars: Bloodline) in which the title Huttslayer Leia was given to the character as an acknowledgment of her power and her ability to free herself from danger while simultaneously defeating the galactic mobster. In the story, Leia also came to represent an important component in a time of political transition. This is one of those stories in Star Wars that show the "shift in narrative" and why Star Wars continues to inspire audiences.
What is The "Slave Costume"?
Leia, in the original Star Wars Saga , is an iconic figure in the Star Wars Movies - known as the brave Princess Leia Organa, but her character often came into direct contact with powerful entities (those who would try to take control over the galaxy - for example, Darth Vader, an agent of the Galactic Empire or Jabba the Hutt) and who had to make dangerous decisions, especially with her affiliation with the Rebel Alliance (working to overthrow the Galactic Empire - and establish a sense of freedom and self-governance for those planets seeking autonomy from the Empire).
There have been many moments in which Leia had to battle those evil forces - a powerful and important symbol of the Rebel Alliance (especially given the many events from Return of the Jedi, the events from Star Wars Episode VI or the many characters who joined Leia in that struggle: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and a slew of other characters).
Why Has The Costume Gained New Meaning?
Leia, in Return of the Jedi, is presented as if she’s been taken prisoner - which takes on the "form" of the Slave Costume as fans know. Even though it's part of the series, a moment of her becoming a slave to Jabba the Hutt. The event - was used to highlight Leia’s power to make an impressive comeback.
The Slave Costume became the most iconic for fans, however, as time went by there was more talk about this costume being sexualizing - particularly with the emergence of new storylines like Star Wars: Bloodline which gives viewers an opportunity to see a different side of the character - one who demonstrates just how much she is an essential part to bringing down a powerful force: Jabba the Hutt - a dangerous, influential mobster. In a sense, she overcomes her captor in one of the greatest scenes - and by overcoming him - it brings new light to the events of this series.
What Does The “Huttslayer Leia” Mean For Star Wars?
Leia is an iconic figure from Star Wars and often served as the "heart and soul" for many, serving as an important figure to the Rebel Alliance. This event in Return of the Jedi highlighted her prowess as a warrior, but it also served to underscore those complexities within the series as her role expanded - even beyond the series itself.
Many fans continue to love this iconic figure. In fact, they even use those Return of the Jedi outfits and dress up as this iconic figure in their costumes or Star Wars Cosplayers who want to express their enthusiasm for the series through various ways of cosplay. Even Disney Star Wars has featured this event in recent projects. Many believe that there's a need to honor this scene by featuring Huttslayer Merchandise - including those who are into the LEGO line or Disney’s collection of various Star Wars products and how the character continues to be such an iconic representation. Huttslayer Leia is an example of a powerful female hero - one whose story continues to inspire new generations and to bring fans into this world of Star Wars .
How Has The Storyline Of The “Huttslayer” Evolved?
The story about how Princess Leia Organa became the "Huttslayer" ( a character that continues to be revered by many) has recently garnered renewed interest - particularly with how it’s become an important moment in Return of the Jedi, as Star Wars Episode VI highlights a powerful act - Leia was being held captive as she faces an impossible moment, while those seeking to free her from captivity (and those fighting the Galactic Empire): Luke Skywalker and Han Solo have a dangerous mission. As many viewers would know this was not simply a simple event to reimagine.
The Slave Costume in Star Wars has been linked with this moment and those characters who have emerged with a renewed power. Star Wars Cosplayers and even those seeking new Star Wars Merchandise often showcase Leia and her power in that time - in many ways helping to inspire how these stories and the Star Wars Saga take shape. Those who have made this a central component of the saga's narrative continue to draw inspiration from the iconic characters (for example: those characters who also come to mind - like those members who serve as the heart of the Rebel Alliance, and who fight those agents of the Galactic Empire.
