There’s good news ahead for Star Wars fans. The franchise is gearing up to launch its new animated television show, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, and the story will continue beyond a first season. Before the show has even premiered, show creator and executive producer and Lucasfilm President & Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni announced that the series will return for a second season.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord sees the return of Sam Witwer as former Sith Lord, Maul; Gideon Adlon voices young Jedi Devon Izara, while Dennis Haysbert voices her Master Eeko-Dio Daki. This year’s Best Actor Oscar nominee Wagner Moura joins a galaxy far, far away as detective Brander Lawson, with Richard Ayoade voicing his droid partner Two-Boots. The rest of the cast includes Charlie Bushnell, David W. Collins, Chris Diamantopoulos, A.J. LoCascio, and Vanessa Marshall.
Darth Maul was first introduced to viewers in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, as a mysterious Sith apprentice. With his unique red-and-black facial coloring and horns, Maul brought an enigmatic presence to the screen that piqued fans’ interest.
So much so, that 20 years on since his first appearance, Maul is now the main character of his own show. The Disney+ show Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord follows Maul on a quest, one which he’s well-known for—revenge. In this adventure story, Maul attempts to rebuild his criminal empire, but, really, he has a one-track mind.
The events of the show take place during Imperial reign, at a time when Maul’s former Sith Master, Darth Sidious, rules the galaxy as Emperor Plapatine.
From the trailer, the show promises plenty of action, lightsaber duels, Sith Inquisitors, a detective story, and yes, lots of Maul.
When is Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord set?
Despite getting cut in half in his very first outing, Maul is a character who keeps finding his way back to Star Wars. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is the first time the character is leading a series, but he’s appeared across franchise properties ever since his demise in the 1999 film.
Maul’s resurrection began in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, when he was discovered by his brother Savage Oppress in exile and on the verge of insanity. The show filled in Maul’s backstory and set him on a path seeking vengeance and power.
He also appeared in Star Wars Rebels, where viewers finally saw his demise, which was surprisingly cathartic and emotional for the character and fans. But, despite knowing his end, the Star Wars team was not done with Maul.
He was a twist in the tale at the end of Solo: A Star Wars Story, and his evolution to becoming a crime lord was established in the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and continued in books and comics.
Considering the franchise has been tackling the morally ambiguous nature of its heroic characters in series like The Acolyte and Andor, it’s no wonder Filoni and team want an extended journey through the lens of the Dark Side.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord releases on Disney+ starting April 6, 2026.