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star wars - Is it possible that Mace Windu survived his encounter with Sidious?


During their fight, it looked like Mace's arm was cut off and he was hit by the force lightning and thrown out the window. But, we never actually see his body. It seems to be a recurring theme that if you don't actually see a body in a movie, the person might still be alive.


There are several things that make me wonder. For instance, the fact that multiple people have had limbs cut off and survived. Luke survived a rather intense session of force lightning with the Emperor so we know that it is possible. Also the Jedi are telekinetic. I'd assume they could stop themselves from falling, or at least slow themselves down enough to land gently. Given that info, it seems possible to me that Mace could have survived.


Have there been any books or other canonical references saying that he actually did die during their fight?




Answer



According to all versions of the script/screenplay I've been able to find, the description of this scene is:



As MACE stares at ANAKIN in shock, PALPATINE springs to life. The full force of Palpatine's powerful Bolts blasts MACE. He attempts to deflect them with his one good hand, but the force is too great. As blue rays engulf his body, he is flung out the window and falls twenty stories to his death. No more screams. No more moans. PALPATINE lowers his arm.


Revenge of the Sith - Illustrated Screenplay



A couple references to the script:



  1. IMSDb - viewable online

  2. ASVW blog - downloadable pdf



Prior to its redesign and linking to the Wookieepedia for community-based character management, Starwars.com said the following for Mace Windu (via Wayback Machine):



Defenseless, Windu was bombarded with Sith lightning as Sidious unleashed a torrent of deadly energy at the Jedi Master. The forked bolts of lightning penetrated Mace's body, illuminating his form from within. The final blast bodily lifted him into the air, sending his form hurling into the Coruscant skies, to crash lifelessly somewhere in the vast cityscape below.



While the removal of the above could also be used to foment uncertainty, all significant character details were archived in favor of Wookieepedia.


Conclusion: The script appears to describe Lucas' intent was clearly death; without mystery (and this was, at one time, detailed at Starwars.com).



Side note: Discovery of an active Mace Windu Twitter account does not refute the above. =)


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