A notorious figure from the dark side of the Force is returning in a big way. Lucasfilm has officially announced that Darth Maul will lead a brand-new animated series set to hit Disney+ in 2026.
Originally making his mark in Star Wars: Episode I–The Phantom Menace (1999), Maul quickly captivated audiences with his fearsome fighting style and iconic double-bladed lightsaber. Portrayed physically by Ray Park and voiced by Peter Serafinowicz, Maul fell in battle to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), seemingly ending his story. But Star Wars has never been one for final farewells.
Years later, The Clone Wars brought Maul back in dramatic fashion. Voiced by Sam Witwer, he returned from the brink—physically altered and mentally fractured. Rescued by his brother Savage Opress (Clancy Brown) and Nightsister leader Mother Talzin (Barbara Goodson), Maul clawed his way back into galactic affairs.
Driven by revenge, Maul united criminal syndicates under the banner of the Shadow Collective. With groups like the Pykes and Death Watch under his control, he even seized the throne of Mandalore and wielded the Darksaber. His duel with Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) in The Clone Wars Season 7 remains a defining moment. Though he was captured, he broke free following the execution of Order 66.
In Star Wars Rebels, Maul resurfaced once again, fixated on Ezra Bridger (Taylor Gray) and what remained of his purpose. This path ultimately led him to Tatooine and a final, quiet confrontation with Obi-Wan. In the episode “Twin Suns,” voiced by Stephen Stanton, Obi-Wan struck the final blow, but not before Maul’s final question—“Is he the Chosen One?”—hinted at the legacy of Luke Skywalker.
Maul’s most recent live-action appearance came in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Ray Park physically returned, with Sam Witwer providing the voice. The scene revealed Maul as the mysterious force behind Crimson Dawn, orchestrating crime from the shadows.
Now, Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord will explore the untold chapters of Maul’s evolution in a dedicated series.
“During the 20th anniversary Lucasfilm Animation panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan, surprise guest Sam Witwer took the stage to reveal his return to the galaxy as the star of the next animated series — Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord,” StarWars.com explained.
Set after the final season of The Clone Wars, the series zeroes in on Maul’s command of the galactic underworld:
“In a new series set after the events of the final season of The Clone Wars, Maul rises again to lead the underworld factions,” the site added. “Fans attending the panel in person got an early look at the series’ new animation style with an in-room-only sizzle.”
Whispers about a Maul-focused Disney+ project have circulated for some time. Now confirmed, Shadow Lord will offer a narrative bridge between Clone Wars, Solo, and Rebels—revealing how Maul became Crimson Dawn’s shadowy mastermind.
“Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord is currently in production and will debut on Disney+ in 2026,” the announcement concluded.
Although Lucasfilm skipped San Diego Comic-Con, the studio offered fans a sneak peek via Discussing Film (@DiscussingFilm), who shared the first image of Maul back in action.
The Tokyo showcase also included a major reveal for Star Wars’ cinematic future. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) director Shawn Levy is officially helming Star Wars: Starfighter. The film, set five years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), stars Ryan Gosling and begins filming this fall. Its theatrical release is scheduled for May 28, 2027.
Are you excited for Maul’s long-awaited solo spotlight? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
