Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Darth Maul will return in the new animated series “Maul: Shadow Lord,” premiering on streaming platforms this spring.
- The series bridges the gap between “The Clone Wars” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” following Maul’s attempts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on the planet Janix.
- Sam Witwer reprises his role as Maul alongside new cast members including Wagner Moura as Detective Captain Brander Lawson and Gideon Adlon as Maul’s Twi’lek apprentice Devon Izara.
If you watched Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as a child, you will surely remember the thrill of fear when Darth Maul – the sinister Sith Lord with a red and black face, yellow eyes and a crown of horns – first appeared on screen. He attracted attention not only for his grotesque appearance, but also for his unique weapon and acrobatic fighting style, which caused the Jedi a lot of trouble.
Although this dark adept made a strong entrance and showed plenty of potential, he disappeared from the universe after just one film. Fortunately, after many years, Maul has found his way back to the Star Wars franchise, appearing here and there in various Disney productions.
Finally, one of Star Wars’ most charismatic villains has his own series – the latest Disney animation will hit streaming this spring.
Who is Darth Maul?
The Demon-Faced Warrior first appeared in 1999 Star Wars: The Phantom Menacethe first film in the prequel trilogy that tells the story of Anakin Skywalker, father of Leia and Luke.
Darth Maul was a mysterious new enemy of the Zabrak race, originating from the planet Dathomir. Since childhood, he was trained by Darth Sidious, also known as Palpatine, to become a Sith Lord. Throughout the film, Maul became known as a master of duels; his signature weapon was a red, double-bladed lightsaber.
However, at the end of The Phantom Menace, Maul is defeated by Obi-Wan Kenobi, who cuts him in half in a battle on the planet Naboo.
Although everything pointed to Maul being killed by the Jedi, George Lucas decided to bring the character back after many years. In 2012, the sinister warrior appeared in season 4 of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
It turned out that Maul survived the clash with Obi-Wan thanks to the dark side. Disfigured and consumed by madness, he was found ten years later by his brother, Savage Oppress. Thanks to magic and cybernetics, Maul recovered and decided to take revenge on Obi-Wan.
The Sith fighter appeared again Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), in which he revealed himself as the mastermind behind the powerful crime syndicate Crimson Dawn. Maul last appeared in the series Star Wars Rebels (2014 – 2018), where he was ultimately defeated again by Obi-Wan.
When will Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord be released?
The new Star Wars series premieres on Disney+ Monday April 6, 2026.
What is the plot of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord?
The animated series picks up immediately after the events of The Clone Wars. Maul will attempt to rebuild his criminal syndicate on an exceptional planet called Janix. According to series executive producer Matt Michnovetz:
It’s part Gotham, part Metropolis and one hundred percent Star Wars with all these different levels and layers. It’s a city essentially built in a crater on this planet untouched by the Empire. It has a functioning democracy and law enforcement does a good job of policing their own community. It is a rich environment for crime and gangsters, but so far there has been a very peaceful agreement between them all in the interest of business.
A more detailed description of the Shadow Lord plot is yet to come. What we do know is that the series will fill a gap in Maul’s story and show what happened to him between The Clone Wars and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Who will star in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord?
Here is the confirmed cast:
- Sam Witwer as Maul, a former Sith lord from the planet Dathomir
- Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, a Twi’lek, Maul’s new apprentice
- WagnerMoura as Captain Brander Lawson, a respected police detective
- Richard Ayoade as 2B0T “Two-Boots”, a droid who is Lawson’s partner
- Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-Daki
- Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario
- Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson
- Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, Maul’s ally who led the Super Commandos during the Clone Wars
- David W Collins as Spybot
- AJ LoCascio as Marrok, an inquisitor who hunts Jedi
- Steve Blum like Ikaros
