Star Wars Enthusiast Unearths Proof to Resolve the Mace Windu vs Palpatine Controversy

The debate over the Mace Windu vs. Palpatine scene in Star Wars continues among fans even after many years. Recently, a fan on social media claims to have found evidence that can determine the winner between the two iconic Force users.

Although the Star Wars prequels receive mixed reviews from fans, everyone agrees on the significance and excitement of the epic duel between Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu and Ian McDiarmid's Sheev Palpatine, a notorious Sith Lord. Despite the interference from Anakin Skywalker during the fight, fans have been discussing and debating who was winning before Skywalker intervened.

Mace Windu may have emerged as the victor in the lightsaber duel, showcasing his skills as the most esteemed swordmaster of the Order. However, there is a prevailing belief that Palpatine intentionally allowed himself to be defeated. This viewpoint gained momentum when Palpatine actor Ian McDiarmid shared his thoughts on the matter. Even with this statement, there is still room for interpretation.

On Reddit's r/StarWars board, a Star Wars fan with the username Extra_Carry_4359 presented what they consider to be conclusive evidence that Palpatine was actually in control throughout the duel. They anticipated receiving backlash for their post titled “Mace Windu didn’t beat Palpatine,” and provided multiple links to support their argument. Notably, these links included insights from franchise creator George Lucas and renowned stunt coordinator Nick Gillard.

Contrary to the claims circulating on the internet, there is no official backing for the notion that Mace emerged victorious in a fair and square manner. The prevailing belief is that Mace unknowingly fell into a carefully laid trap.

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The post on Reddit

Lucas confirmed that Palpatine was pretending, while Gillard supported Palpatine “creaming” Windu. The Revenge of the Sith novelization and the Official Star Wars Encyclopedia also back this up. Despite the evidence, fans had differing opinions on the matter. Some pointed out that Lucas' word should be the final say, casting doubt on the other sources. Others disagreed with the original poster's interpretation of the statements, fueling the ongoing debate with no clear resolution in sight.

Despite the original post being well-written and providing evidence to support its claims, there is valid pushback against it. Gillard's statement, while direct and conclusive, is ultimately just the opinion of a devoted fan. Tie-in projects like novelizations often take creative liberties and may not offer a complete view of the Star Wars canon, as authors and editors inject their own perspectives. This leaves George Lucas as the primary source for settling the debate, but even his authority is not definitive due to his past contradictions and artistic decisions.

The real challenge to the original post's argument arises from Lucas himself, who clarified that the original plan was for Mace Windu to emerge victorious in the confrontation with Palpatine. The idea that Palpatine was feigning weakness throughout the fight may not align with this statement, leading to differing interpretations among fans. While the debate may never be fully resolved, many fans agree that it would be intriguing to see Mace Windu make a return, given the precedent set by characters like Maul in the Clone Wars. However, there are obstacles preventing Windu's return to the Star Wars universe, leaving fans to cherish the Jedi Master in their memories or hope for a potential prequel series focusing on his earlier adventures.

The Star Wars franchise is available for streaming on Disney Plus.

Source: Extra_Carry_4359/Reddit

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the Mace Windu vs. Palpatine duel in Star Wars. While some fans believe that Windu emerged as the victor, others argue that Palpatine intentionally allowed himself to be defeated. The author presents evidence from franchise creator George Lucas and stunt coordinator Nick Gillard to support the latter theory. However, the article also acknowledges that Lucas's statements have been inconsistent in the past, leaving room for differing interpretations.

Ultimately, the question of who truly won the duel remains unanswered. The article highlights the complex nature of the Star Wars universe, where even the most iconic scenes can be subject to multiple perspectives. It is this ongoing debate and the passionate involvement of fans that make Star Wars such an enduring and beloved franchise.