Star WarsCelebration officially kicked off this morning and it kicked off in a big way. The first panel this weekend was the highly-anticipatedStar Wars 40th anniversary panel, and it didn’t disappoint. There were plenty of surprises that came during the panel and lots of guests, but perhaps the most fun surprise came fromSamuel L. Jackson. He couldn’t be there in person, but in a video message he made that was played during the panel, he made it clear that, at least in his mind, Mace Windu is not dead and he is ready and waiting to return.
The 40 Years ofStar Warspanel was one of the marquee events atStar Wars Celebrationthis year and it lived up to the hype.George LucasandHarrison Fordsurprised everyone with appearances at the panel, but some of the folks who couldn’t be there in person, likeSamuel L. Jackson, sent video messages to the fans.Jacksontook this opportunity to declare that he feels that his Jedi characterMace Winduis very much alive. And that he is ready to play him in a new movie. Here is what he had to say.
“Hey everybody. Sorry I couldn’t make it. Busy as usual, but I just wanna say, it’s been a real honor and privilege to be a part of theStar Wars community. Thanks George for giving me that opportunity and letting me ride it out through at least three episodes. Wish I could be there so I could sign everything you brought for me to sign, and to just say hey to everybody in person. And while you’re all sitting there, I know you’re all in my corner on this, we know Jedi can fall from incredible heights and survive. So apparently, I am not dead! Yes, I have two appendages right now, but we know the long and richhistory of Star Wars charactersreappearing with new appendages and being stronger and better than they ever were. Mace Windu is awaiting his return. Let’s make it happen. Kathy, you’re sitting right there. I know you know what to do. All you got to do is say the word. See you soon. On screen, I hope.”
The crowd totally erupted at these comments andSamuel L. Jacksonseemed playful, but very serious about it. He does have a good point and it is plausible, at least within the confines of theStar Warsuniverse, that Mace Windu could have survived. Even though many fans don’t love the prequels, there is a lot of love for his character and fans would probably love to seem him come back. This isn’t the first time the subject has come up. Last year, while promotingThe Legend of Tarzan,Samuel L. Jacksonrevealed thatGeorge Lucassaid that he thinks Mace Windu can be alive. Even though he doesn’t have anything to do with the franchise anymore, it is clear that the actor has been lobbying for a return toStar Warsfor some time.
With a ton ofStar Warsmovies in the works for many years to come, there is no reason to think that Lucasfilm can’t make this happen at some point.Samuel L. Jacksoneven called outLucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedyin his video. It will ultimately be Lucasfilm’s decision to bring him back or not, but even if they don’t, this clip was a good bit of fun. In case you missed it, you can check it out for yourself below, withSamuel L. Jackson’s bit starting at the 1:09:00 mark.
