Table of Contents
The Star Wars prequel films are well-known for introducing several Jedi characters beyond Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Characters like Qui-Gon Jinn, Kit Fisto, and Plo Koon have become fan-favorites and have been explored in greater depth in various Star Wars stories. However, Mace Windu, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, stands out for two things: his distinctive purple lightsaber and his significant role in the prequel films. In Episode III, he plays a central role in Anakin’s fall to the Dark Side while trying to confront Chancellor Palpatine. Although it seems that Windu perished in this encounter, there have been theories about his survival.
These theories have gained some momentum in recent years, partly because Samuel L. Jackson himself is open to the idea of reprising his role. He has expressed his interest in returning to the character and has even discussed it with The Mandalorian director Bryce Dallas Howard. While it might be surprising for casual fans, there are plausible ways to bring Mace Windu back into the Star Wars universe.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
He Could Have Survived
To begin, let’s explore the possibility of Mace Windu surviving his duel with Darth Sidious in “Revenge of the Sith.” The movie strongly implies Windu’s demise as Anakin severs his hand, Palpatine unleashes the Dark Side to electrocute him, and he is hurled out of a skyscraper window. While this appears definitive, it’s important to note that the film never explicitly shows Windu’s lifeless body or provides verbal confirmation of his death. He is conspicuously absent from subsequent references, except for a brief mention in the “Star Wars Rebels” animated series.
The Star Wars franchise is no stranger to resurrecting characters who were believed to be deceased. A prominent example is Boba Fett, the beloved bounty hunter once presumed dead in the Sarlacc pit in “Return of the Jedi.” However, his return was confirmed in “The Mandalorian,” and “The Book of Boba Fett” explained how he survived. Given Windu’s status as one of the most formidable Jedi of his time, it’s conceivable that he could have survived his injuries and fall through sheer determination and the will of the Force.
If Windu were to make a comeback, the writers would need to provide a compelling reason for his absence during the events of the original trilogy and the reign of the Empire, a challenge that has been successfully addressed with characters like Ahsoka Tano. If this path were chosen for Windu’s return, it’s probable that he would reappear in one of the current Disney+ series, such as “The Mandalorian” or “Ahsoka.” Samuel L. Jackson’s prior work on Disney+ in the Marvel series “Secret Invasion” makes it plausible for him to rejoin the Star Wars universe on the streaming platform as well.
Star Wars Loves Force Ghosts
While explaining Mace Windu’s survival and his whereabouts in existing Star Wars stories would be complex, a simpler way to bring Samuel L. Jackson back as the character is through him becoming a Force Ghost. Force Ghosts, the spirits of deceased Jedi, have been a recurring element in the Star Wars franchise. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s ghost appears in the original trilogy, Yoda’s in Return of the Jedi and The Last Jedi, and Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa become Force Ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker. Hayden Christensen has also reprised the role of Anakin’s ghost.
Given these precedents, having Mace Windu’s ghost appear would not be out of place. In fact, he already made a brief appearance in The Rise of Skywalker, where his voice encouraged Rey during her battle with Darth Sidious. Disney is working on a film focusing on Rey and the new Jedi Order, which could offer an opportunity for Samuel L. Jackson to return as Windu, guiding Rey as a Force Ghost. Alternatively, in the Ahsoka series, Windu’s apparition could appear as a vision to Ahsoka or Sabine in an ancient Jedi Temple or a similar setting.
Get your short films reviewed by Shortfundly‘s creative expert team. Click here to submit your short films now.
A Live-Action Clone Wars Series
The Star Wars franchise has a history of exploring different points in its timeline to tell various stories. Recent examples include “Andor,” set five years before the original Star Wars film, “Ahsoka,” taking place a decade after “Return of the Jedi,” and episodes of the animated “Tales of the Jedi” series set in the prequel era. Bringing back Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Mace Windu, could be achieved by setting a story during the period when he was alive.
A live-action series set during the Clone Wars era seems like a promising option. The idea gained traction with a flashback featuring Hayden Christensen’s Anakin and a young Ahsoka in the “Ahsoka” series. If Disney were to create a live-action Clone Wars series with Christensen and Ariana Greenblatt as Ahsoka, it would also provide an opportunity to reintroduce fan-favorite characters like Mace Windu.
However, there are significant drawbacks to this idea. The most prominent concern is the existence of the highly regarded “Clone Wars” animated series. It’s essential to acknowledge the quality of animated storytelling and not dismiss it in favor of live-action. A live-action Clone Wars series could potentially diminish and disrespect the exceptional work done in the animated show. For those interested in more Clone Wars stories, it might be best to watch or re-watch the animated series, which has already delivered a wealth of content.
Voicing the Character in Animation
One potential way for Samuel L. Jackson to reprise his role as Mace Windu could be through voicing the character in animated projects. Traditionally, Terrence Carson has been the voice of Windu in animated series and video games, doing an excellent job. However, there’s still room for Jackson to lend his voice to the character.
In the past, Samuel L. Jackson has voiced Windu in the Clone Wars animated film in 2008, which served as a precursor to the animated series. It would be a nostalgic touch to have Jackson return to voice the character again, paying homage to that film.
This return to the character through animation could be part of a dedicated story in the Tales of the Jedi animated anthology series. This approach would strike a balance by satisfying fans who want Jackson to return to the role while avoiding the complex narrative challenges of bringing him back in a live-action setting.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
