At a Glance
- Darth Maul returns with new legs and a brother, rebuilding a crime empire on a planet that has not yet fallen to the Empire.
- The miniseries, voiced by Sam Witwer, will premiere on Disney+ on April 6, with two episodes released weekly.
- The show reunites key Star Wars animation writers and directors under new Lucasfilm head Dave Filoni.
Why it matters: Fans will see a fresh chapter in Maul’s saga and the return of beloved creators.
The upcoming Disney+ miniseries Star Wars: Maul-Shadow Lord promises to bring the infamous Sith assassin back into the spotlight. The show follows Maul as he attempts to resurrect his criminal empire after a series of betrayals and losses. The first two episodes will hit the streaming platform on April 6, with the remainder airing each week.
Background: From Broken to Reborn
Darth Maul’s story has always been one of survival. After Obi-Wan Kenobi severed him in half, the Sith Lord was thought lost. The new series reveals that Maul not only survived but also gained new legs and a brother, both of whom become crime lords. Palpatine’s arrival had previously fractured Maul’s empire, but the miniseries focuses on his effort to rebuild.
The narrative picks up a year after the Clone Wars, a period in which Maul survived the Fall of Mandalore. The planet where the story unfolds remains untouched by the Empire’s reach, giving Maul a foothold to regroup. However, his actions soon draw the attention of several powerful enemies.
Shadow Lord Premise
The plot centers on Maul’s ambition to reestablish a criminal organization that collapsed after his master’s intervention. He works on a planet that has yet to succumb to the Empire’s control, offering a unique backdrop for his machinations.
The series also introduces a host of adversaries: the Inquisitors-particularly Marrok, who was last seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka-and a surviving Twi’lek Jedi. A local cop also becomes entangled in Maul’s schemes, adding another layer of tension.
Creative Team Reunion
Star Wars: Maul-Shadow Lord is a mini-reunion of the animation team that shaped much of the franchise’s recent history. The series is led by new Lucasfilm head Dave Filoni, who has a long history with the Star Wars animated universe.
Key writers and directors from The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Bad Batch return to the project:
- Brad Rau
- Matt Michonvetz
- Athena Portillo
These creatives have previously written or directed episodes across the Star Wars animated canon, ensuring continuity in tone and storytelling.
Release Details
The miniseries will launch on Disney+ with its first two episodes airing on April 6. Subsequent episodes will be released on a weekly basis, allowing fans to follow Maul’s journey in real time.
The voice cast expands beyond Sam Witwer, who reprises his role as Maul:
- Gideon Adlon
- Wagner Moura
- Dennis Haysbert
- Richard Ayoade
- Vanessa Marshall
These actors bring new characters to life, enriching the world around Maul.
Antagonists and Allies
While Maul focuses on rebuilding, he cannot ignore the forces that threaten his resurgence. The Inquisitors, a group of agents tasked with hunting Jedi, become a major concern. Marrok, a known Inquisitor from Ahsoka, specifically keeps an eye on Maul’s movements.
In addition to the Inquisitors, a Twi’lek Jedi-whose identity remains undisclosed-also appears to be monitoring Maul. The presence of this Jedi hints at deeper layers of conflict within the Star Wars universe.
A local cop, whose role is to maintain order on the planet, finds himself caught between Maul’s ambitions and the law. This character adds a grounded perspective to the otherwise grand narrative.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Clone Wars | Maul’s rise to power |
| Fall of Mandalore | Maul survives and continues his quest |
| Year after Clone Wars | Maul attempts to rebuild his empire |
| April 6 | First episodes of Shadow Lord release |
Key Takeaways
- Star Wars: Maul-Shadow Lord brings back the iconic Sith assassin with new physical traits and a sibling partner.
- The miniseries focuses on Maul’s efforts to resurrect his criminal network on a planet untouched by the Empire.
- The creative team reunites with veteran writers and directors under Dave Filoni’s leadership.
- The series will release its first two episodes on April 6, followed by weekly installments.
- A host of new characters-Inquisitors, a Twi’lek Jedi, and a local cop-create fresh narrative tension.
Fans of the Star Wars saga can look forward to a deep dive into Maul’s resilience and the complex world he inhabits. The combination of familiar faces and new adversaries promises a compelling addition to the franchise’s animated legacy.
