The 14 Most Infamous Foolish Decisions in Star Wars

Bolvin's Oversight

At the beginning of A New Hope, Bolvin, an Imperial onboard Vader's Star Destroyer, made a decision that would come back to haunt the Empire. Commanding his subordinate not to shoot the Tantive IV's escape pod, Bolvin inadvertently allowed both C-3PO and R2-D2 to safely make it to the surface of Tatooine. Little did he realize that his oversight would lead to the destruction of the Death Star later in the film.

C-3PO and R2-D2 escape the Tantive IV towards Tatooine in an escape pod in Star Wars

Han Solo's Fatal Trust

Trusting his former friend, Lando Calrissian, to help the Rebellion in The Empire Strikes Back, Han Solo made a fatal error in judgment. Despite knowing Lando's past cheating habits, Han grossly overestimated their past friendship and fell into a trap that resulted in him being frozen in carbonite by Darth Vader at the film's end.

Han Solo looking confused in The Empire Strikes Back

Palpatine's Fatal Pride

In Return of the Jedi, Palpatine's pride and hubris led to his downfall. By willingly giving up the location of the Endor shield generator to the Rebellion, Palpatine underestimated the Rebels' capabilities, leading to the destruction of the second Death Star and his own demise.

Han Solo on Endor smiling at the camera after helping save the galaxy in Return of the Jedi

Qui-Gon's Stubbornness

Qui-Gon's insistence on training Anakin in The Phantom Menace ultimately led to the collapse of the Jedi Order. Despite concerns from the Jedi Council, Qui-Gon's stubbornness inadvertently caused the Jedi's downfall and Anakin's turn to the dark side.

The Jedi Council evaluating young Anakin Skywalker and a picture of Qui-Gon Jinn.

Jango Fett's Blunder

Jango Fett's decision to kill his own employee, Zam Wesell, rather than Padmé Amidala, led to a series of blunders. Not only did he bungle the operation to kill Padmé, but he also left evidence for the Jedi to discover, ultimately leading them to the discovery of Kamino.

jango fett Star Wars Attack of the clones zam wessell

Padmé's Uncharacteristic Compassion

In Attack of the Clones, Padmé uncharacteristically dismissed Anakin's slaughter of the Tusken Raiders, showing a lack of concern for the helpless Tusken women and children. Her actions contradicted her usual altruistic nature and highlighted a moment of weakness.

Anakin kissing Padme in Star Wars

Obi-Wan and Yoda's Questionable Hiding Place

Sending Luke Skywalker to his father's home planet, Tatooine, was a questionable decision made by Obi-Wan and Yoda. Despite the risks, Luke managed to evade the Empire, but the decision remains a puzzling choice given the circumstances.

Luke agrees to leave Tatooine with Obi-Wan in A New Hope

Kylo Ren's Self-Destructive Act

Kylo Ren's decision to kill his own father, Han Solo, in The Force Awakens was a self-destructive act driven by his desire to free himself from pain. However, this act only caused further agony and demonstrated his misguided attempt to emulate his grandfather.

Kylo Ren kills Han Solo in The Force Awakens

Leia's Misguided Tolerance

In The Last Jedi, Leia's decision to allow Poe Dameron to form a coup rather than revealing the truth wasted valuable time and resources. Her misguided tolerance for Poe's actions resulted in unnecessary chaos and conflict within the Resistance.

Star Wars' Holdo and Poe.

Han Solo's Reckless Endeavor

Han Solo's attempt to complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs in Solo: A Star Wars Story was a reckless endeavor. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Han chose to risk it all, showcasing his daring but foolhardy decision-making.

The Kessel Run in Solo A Star Wars Story

Rey's Conflicting Actions

Rey's decision to fatally stab Kylo Ren and then heal him in The Rise of Skywalker showcased her conflicting emotions and indecisiveness. This contradictory act highlighted Rey's internal struggle and added complexity to her character.

Rey and Kylo Ren The Last Jedi

Trace Martez's Costly Mistake

In The Clone Wars season 7, Trace Martez's decision to dump spice into hyperspace proved to be a costly mistake. Her impulsive action had far-reaching consequences and showcased her lack of foresight.

Ahsoka Rafa Trace Martez Clone Wars Pykes

Boba Fett's Careless Oversight

In The Book of Boba Fett, Boba Fett's oversight in letting his rancor run amok in Mos Espa almost resulted in the death of his friend, Din Djarin. This careless decision highlighted Boba's lack of control and the consequences of his actions.

Boba Fett on the rancor looking at Cad Bane

Bo-Katan's Fatal Oversight

In The Mandalorian season 3, Bo-Katan's lack of a battle plan led to dire consequences. Her ignorance and lack of foresight resulted in the capture of Din Djarin and the death of Paz Vizsla, showcasing the cost of her fatal oversight.

Beskar stormtroopers fighting Mandalorians in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 7

Sabine's Disastrous Decision

In Ahsoka season 1, Sabine Wren's decision to give the Arcana Star Map to Baylan Skoll had far-reaching consequences. Her attachment to Ezra Bridger led to the resurgence of Grand Admiral Thrawn, setting the stage for potential devastation in the New Republic.

Sabine debating whether to give the map Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka episode 4