Summary
With classicStar Warscharacters like Boba Fett, Emperor Palpatine, and Ahsoka Tano making unexpected returns on both the big and small screens, it’s no longer far-fetched to imagine other older or seemingly “dead” figures from the galaxy far, far away could stage a comeback as well.
Star Warshas long held its place as one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises, captivating millions of fans worldwide. Since its debut nearly five decades ago, it has become a cornerstone of pop culture, inviting audiences into the mystical realm of a galaxy far, far away. Over the years, the franchise has experienced a whirlwind journey with its share of highs and lows. Today, theStar Warsuniverse boasts 11 filmsand numerous TV shows as part of its ever-expanding canon, with many more on the horizon. As anticipation grows, a fan-favoriteStar Warsactor hopes their character survived a catastrophic event and might make a comeback.
In a recent appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonto promote Netflix’sThe Piano Lesson, actor Samuel L. Jackson expressed his continued hope for a return to the galaxy far, far away. Jackson remains convinced that his character, Mace Windu, survived the dramatic fall afterhis duel with Palpatine inRevenge of the Sith.Despite Windu’s apparent demise, many fans, alongside Jackson, have held onto the belief that the Jedi Master could have survived. With Disney+ giving new life to classic characters through miniseries, there’s growing speculation about whether Windu could make a comeback. Jackson is undoubtedly open to the idea, even jokingly pointing out, “There’s a long history of one-armed, one-handed people in the Star Wars universe. So, just because they cut my arm off and I fell out of a window doesn’t mean I’m dead. I’m a Jedi! I’m the second-most powerful Jedi in the universe, next to Yoda. Yeah, he’s out there walking the Earth with Jules.”
Jackson’s portrayal of Windu in theStar Warsprequels solidified him as a fan favorite, with his distinct purple lightsaber and authoritative presence. After appearing in all three prequels, Windu seemingly died inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith(2005) after a showdown with Darth Sidious. However, Jackson hasn’t ruled out a potential return. On Josh Horowitz’sHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast, he joked aboutStar Wars’history of one-handed characters making comebacks and even asked Bryce Dallas Howard—a former co-star who directs episodes ofThe Mandalorian—to bring Windu back. While that hasn’t happened yet, it fueled fan speculation about Windu’s fate. With fan influence playing a significant role at Lucasfilm, a passionate campaign could see this iconic Jedi rise again.
Although it seemed Mace Windu died, Samuel L. Jackson’s nods to otherStar Warscharacters lend credence to his survival theory. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi thought Anakin Skywalker was dead after their fierce duel on Mustafar, only to discover a decade later that his former apprentice was very much alive. Similarly, Emperor Palpatine appeared to die when Darth Vader hurled him down a shaft, only to make a shocking comeback years later. If Palpatine could cheat death, why not Windu? It’s plausible that Windu went underground, much like Obi-Wan and Yoda, to evade the Jedi purge, explaining his absence in the saga. While Jackson fans may long for a MaceWindu comeback, there’s no sign of that happeningas Lucasfilm focuses on other upcoming projects, including Rey’s new sequel, theStar Wars: The Mandalorianmovie, andAhsokaSeason 2. However, with the prequels regaining popularity, a return for Windu could happen sooner than we think!
The next chapter in the Star Wars universe isSkeleton Crew,set to premiere on June 23, 2025.
