Summary
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerconfirmed thatJedi Master Mace Windunever truly tapped into the dark side of the Force, despite what manyStar Warsviewers have theorized. Mace Windu wasn’t introduced untilStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, and he died inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, yet, even with that minimal screen time, Mace Windu has become crucial inStar Warsmovies and TV shows. In fact, Mace Windu was one ofStar Wars’most powerful Jedi, and he had a massive impact on Anakin Skywalker—for better or worse.
Yet, Mace Windu’sStar Warsstory is far from simple. In addition to some believing that he contributed tothe Chosen One’sfall,many have speculated that Mace Windu tapped into the dark side of the Force when he attempted to assassinate Palpatine inRevenge of the Sith. However, one key moment inThe Rise of Skywalkerrevealed that wasn’t the case five years ago.
There’s One Star Wars Story Mace Windu Should Return For
Samuel L. Jackson has expressed interest in playing Mace Windu again, and there’s one unfinished story that would be perfect to bring him back for.
Mace Windu
InRevenge of the Sith, Anakin was ultimately pushed fully to the dark side of the Force because he had to pick between Palpatine, who (misleadingly) seemed defenseless, and Mace Windu, who was attempting to assassinate Palpatine. In the end, Anakin chose to defend Palpatine, believing that Mace Windu’s willingness to kill Palpatine when he was unarmed was proof that the Jedi were corrupt.Many have argued that this moment was a reflection of Mace Windu tapping into the dark side of the Forcebecause he fully intended to assassinate Palpatine; however,The Rise of Skywalkerproved that false.
Mace Windu’s assassination attempt on Palpatine didn’t truly change him or suggest a step toward the dark side.
At the end ofThe Rise of Skywalker, Rey tapped into the power of all the Jedi to finally defeat Palpatine. While that was controversial, it did confirm that Mace Windu’s assassination attempt on Palpatine didn’t truly change him or suggest a step toward the dark side. Specifically,Mace Windu’s voice could be heard among the Jedi inThe Rise of Skywalker, confirming that he was in the Netherworld of the Force—something a Sith cannot access.
Mace Windu Was Never Truly Dominated By His Inner Darkness
Despite Mace Windu’s willingness to kill Palpatine inRevenge of the Sith, he never truly tapped into the dark side of the Force. Arguably, this was not Mace Windu’s finest moment. Yes, Palpatine was incredibly dangerous. He was both a Sith Lord and the most powerful person in the Senate. Perhaps Palpatine even objectively deserved to die. However,the Jedi way is clear; Jedi are not supposed to attack (much less kill) unarmed opponents.
Mace Windu’s decision did not come from anger or even fear.
Nevertheless, Mace Windu’s actions did not reflect a full turn toward the dark side. For one, in the end, Mace Windu did not kill Palpatine. In fact, he even seemed conflicted about what he was attempting to do, which is quite distinct from how a Sith would approach such a moment. More importantly, though, Mace Windu’s decision did not come from anger or even fear. He simply felt he had a duty to destroy the Sith—and he wasn’t wrong. After all, that is precisely what the Chosen One prophecy is all about.
This is precisely why Mace Windu’s voice was included inThe Rise of Skywalker. Mace Windu may have had a momentary lapse in judgment because of the severity of the situation, but he did not abandon the light side of the Force. Rather,Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerconfirmed that Mace Windu was among the other Jedi in the Netherworld of the Force, firmly on the light side.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Cast
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker concludes the Skywalker saga with Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron leading the Resistance against the First Order. As the final battle unfolds, they draw upon the wisdom and strength of previous generations to confront their adversaries. Released in 2019, the film concludes the sequel trilogy.
