Monday, April 6, 2026
Darth Maul’s Return: ‘Shadow Lord’ Series Bridges ‘Clone Wars’ and ‘Solo’
Table of Contents
A new animated series will explore Darth Maul’s criminal empire between two key Star Wars stories.
- The Disney+ series “Maul: Shadow Lord” premieres on April 6, 2026.
- The show follows Maul’s efforts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on the planet Janix.
- Sam Witwer reprises his role as Darth Maul, joined by Wagner Moura and Gideon Adlon.
- The series fills a narrative gap between “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Remember the chilling first appearance of Darth Maul in 1999’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace? The sinister Sith Lord, with his striking red and black face, piercing yellow eyes, and crown of horns, instantly captivated audiences. His unique double-bladed lightsaber and acrobatic fighting style posed a serious threat to the Jedi. Now, the charismatic villain is back in his own animated series, “Maul: Shadow Lord,” debuting this spring on Disney+.
Who is Darth Maul?
Darth Maul first appeared in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the opening installment of the prequel trilogy chronicling the origins of Anakin Skywalker, father of Luke and Leia. Hailing from the planet Dathomir, the Zabrak warrior was trained from childhood by Darth Sidious, also known as Palpatine, to become a formidable Sith Lord. Throughout the film, Maul established himself as a master duelist, wielding a distinctive red, double-bladed lightsaber.
In a dramatic showdown at the film’s conclusion, Maul was seemingly defeated by Obi-Wan Kenobi, sliced in half during a fierce battle on the planet Naboo.
However, Maul’s story didn’t end there. Years later, George Lucas revived the character in the fourth season of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars in 2012. It was revealed that Maul survived his encounter with Obi-Wan, rescued by his brother, Savage Oppress, and rebuilt with cybernetics and dark side power. Driven by vengeance, he sought to confront Obi-Wan once more.
Maul resurfaced again in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), revealed as the mastermind behind the powerful Crimson Dawn crime syndicate. His last appearance was in the series Star Wars Rebels (2014 – 2018), where he was once again defeated by Obi-Wan.
When Will ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’ Be Released?
The new Star Wars series will premiere on Disney+ on Monday, April 6, 2026.
What’s the Plot of ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’?
The animated series picks up immediately following the events of “The Clone Wars.” Maul will attempt to rebuild his criminal syndicate on the planet Janix. According to series executive producer Matt Michnovetz:
It’s one part Gotham, one part Metropolis and a hundred percent Star Wars with all these different levels and layers. It’s a city essentially built into a crater on this planet that is untouched by the Empire. It’s got a functioning democracy and law enforcement doing a good job of policing their own community. It’s a rich environment for crime and gangsters, but so far there’s been a very peaceful accord between all of them in the interest of business.
The series promises to fill a gap in Maul’s story, detailing his activities between “The Clone Wars” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Who’s Starring in ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’?
The confirmed cast includes:
- Sam Witwer as Maul
- Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Maul’s Twi’lek apprentice
- Wagner Moura as Captain Brander Lawson, a police detective
- Richard Ayoade as 2B0T “Two-Boots”, Lawson’s droid 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
- David W. Collins as Spybot
- A. J. LoCascio as Marrok
- Steve Blum as Icarus
