Mace Windu wasn’t just any Jedi. He was one of the highest-ranking members of the Jedi Council, incredibly powerful in the Force, and had significant political connections.
If Mace had survived his encounter with Palpatine, he would have posed a huge threat to the newly-formed Empire.
The Empire would have considered him too dangerous to be left alive and likely would have made eliminating him a top priority.
Let’s dive into this intriguing “what if” scenario and explore what might have gone down.
Table of Contents
1. The Challenge for the Empire
If Mace Windu had survived and been around when the Empire was hunting down Jedi, things would have been really interesting.
Mace was a top-tier Jedi with incredible skills in both lightsaber combat and the Force. Taking him down would not have been easy.
Early in his career as a Sith, Vader was still adjusting to his new suit and dark side powers. This would have made it very tough for him to take down someone as skilled and experienced as Mace.
Even with some backup from the Inquisitors, those lesser dark side users, Vader would have had a tough fight on his hands. The Empire wouldn’t have taken any chances with Mace.
They would have sent not only Vader and the Inquisitors but likely the Imperial fleet to ensure Mace was eliminated.
2. Mace’s Potential Strategy
If Mace had survived and met up with Yoda and Obi-Wan, he would have had to decide whether to hide or fight.
Mace might have taken a proactive approach, gathering the remaining Jedi, training them, and preparing for a counterattack against the Empire. This could have led to the formation of a rebellion against the Empire much earlier.
Mace’s combat skills were legendary. Remember, he defeated Darth Sidious in “Revenge of the Sith” (before Anakin’s interference).
If Mace had not been betrayed by Anakin, he might have killed Palpatine and possibly prevented Order 66 from happening at all.
3. Mace vs. Vader and Palpatine
Many fans believe Mace Windu could have handled himself against either Vader or Palpatine in a one-on-one fight. But facing both of them together? That would be a tough challenge.
Unless Vader and Palpatine teamed up against Mace, he could have survived being hunted by the dark side.
If Mace, Yoda, and Obi-Wan had teamed up to take on Vader and Palpatine, it’s likely the Jedi would have come out on top.
Yoda nearly defeated Palpatine alone, and Obi-Wan managed to defeat Vader twice. Together, they would have been a formidable force.
4. The Ultimate Rebel Leader
If Mace Windu had survived, he wouldn’t just go into hiding. Oh no, Mace would have likely become one of the key leaders of the early Rebel Alliance.
Imagine him rallying the remaining Jedi and teaching them how to fight back against the Empire.
With his incredible skills and leadership, he could have inspired many to join the fight against the dark side.
5. Playing the Long Game
Mace Windu was known for his patience and strategic mind. If he survived, he might have played the long game, carefully planning his moves against the Empire.
He could have used his political savvy to undermine the Empire from within, forming alliances and gathering intelligence.
Over time, he could have built a powerful network of resistance fighters ready to take down the Sith.
Could Mace Have Survived the Fall?
There’s also the question of whether Mace could have survived his fall after being thrown out of the window by Palpatine.
Other characters, like Darth Maul, survived seemingly fatal falls. The dense traffic of Coruscant could have provided Mace with opportunities to slow his fall and survive.
In the Star Wars universe, surviving severe injuries and falls is possible with the help of the Force and advanced technology.
If Mace survived the fall, he could have gone into hiding, waiting for the right moment to strike back against the Empire.
A New Hope… Sooner?
With Mace Windu in the picture, the Rebel Alliance might have been stronger from the start. His leadership and combat skills could have sped up the fall of the Empire.
Maybe the Death Star would have been destroyed sooner, or perhaps the Emperor’s grip on the galaxy would have weakened much earlier.
The presence of such a formidable Jedi could have inspired hope and courage among the oppressed people of the galaxy.
So, if Mace Windu hadn’t died before Order 66, the Star Wars saga could have taken some exciting and dramatic turns.
What do you think? Could Mace Windu have survived and made a difference? Let us know your thoughts, and may the Force be with you!