How Did Samuel L. Jackson Become Mace Windu In Star Wars? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
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Before Grogu stole our hearts and lightsabers got color-coded like candy, one Jedi stood out, not just because of his power, but because he rolled in with a purple lightsaber. Yep, we’re talking about Mace Windu, the smooth, stern, no-nonsense Jedi Master brought to life by none other than Samuel L. Jackson.
But how did Mr. Cool himself land a role in Star Wars? Was it a Jedi prophecy? A Force vision? Nah, just good old-fashioned Samuel L. Jackson charm, a love for the franchise, and maybe a little sass. From side-eyeing Anakin’s Chosen One status to playing Jedi Council politics like a pro, Mace wasn’t just powerful. He was iconic.
And behind that power? A guy who literally asked for a purple lightsaber so he could spot himself during giant battle scenes. Legend. So, how did this all go down? It’s time to rewind the hyperspace tape and hear it straight from the Jedi himself.
How Did Samuel L. Jackson Become Mace Windu In Star Wars?
You know you’re a legend when you speak a role into existence. That’s precisely what Samuel L. Jackson did, casually manifesting a spot in Star Wars like a true Jedi Master. Picture this: Sam’s chillin’ on a British talk show, and someone asks if there’s any director he’s dying to work with. His answer? “Yeah, George Lucas. I’d love to be in a Star Wars movie.” (via Vulture). Boom. That’s it. Universe activated.
The next thing he knows, while filming Sphere with Dustin Hoffman and Sharon Stone, is that his phone rings. “George Lucas would like to meet you. He hears you want to be in his Star Wars movie.” Most of us would just pass out on the spot. But Sam? Cool as ever. Once he met Lucas, it was Jedi chemistry at first sight. “George (Lucas) and I became really good friends,” Jackson said. “He liked my work ethic, he liked the fact I showed up, I hit my marks, I knew my lines, I was nice to everybody, I was cool, I was glad to be there.”
But stepping into the galaxy far, far away wasn’t all blue milk and lightsabers. Jackson had a few hilarious run-ins with over-enthusiastic fans. “Back then, that was the biggest fan base on the planet,” he said. “I’ve been accosted by the Jedi Council of every city on the planet. ‘Master Windu, please, let us have a council.’ ‘Get away from my room!’ They’re outside in the parking lot, chanting. Jesus, these people are adults. Stop it.” So yeah, he spoke, the Force listened, and the purple lightsaber legend was born.
Mace Windu’s Character In Star Wars Explained
Mace Windu wasn’t just some background Jedi with a cool purple lightsaber (though, let’s be honest, that saber is iconic). He was the Jedi Council’s head honcho before Yoda swiped the job. As Master of the Order, Windu was the guy who shook hands with politicians, handled Jedi business, and kept things (mostly) under control, all while side-eying Anakin like a skeptical uncle at a family BBQ.
Mace was a Jedi purist, a stickler for rules, and a one-man anti-Sith alarm system. His no-nonsense approach helped steer the Jedi straight into some epic mistakes, but nobody’s perfect. What’s wild is that Windu has been part of Star Wars since before Star Wars was even Star Wars. In 1973, George Lucas scribbled down a character named “Mace Windy” in a draft called Journal of the Whills. Yes, “Windy.” Thankfully, the name got cooler.
Even though Palpatine sent him flying out the window in Revenge of the Sith, Mace Windu’s legacy and Samuel L. Jackson’s bad*** performance still echo through the galaxy. Jedi robes, Jedi politics, purple saber, and all, Windu walked so the rest of the Jedi could run (and then fall spectacularly).
What Next For Samuel Jackson?
Jackson is set to appear next in J.J. Perry sci-fi Afterburn as well as Renny Harlin’s action movie The Beast. He is also part of J.J Abrams’ yet-to-be-titled fantasy film alongside Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega.
