1
Credit: LucasfilmA fan-favorite villain from Star Wars lore is officially stepping back into the spotlight in 2026.
Darth Maul, one of the most visually distinct and narratively layered antagonists in the franchise, was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode I–The Phantom Menace (1999).
Played by Ray Park, with voice work by Peter Serafinowicz, Maul served as the deadly apprentice to Darth Sidious and quickly made a lasting impression with his double-bladed lightsaber and fierce combat skills. His defeat at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor)—cut in half and sent falling down a reactor shaft—seemed like the end. But in Star Wars, the end is rarely the end.
Years later, Maul made his shocking comeback in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this time voiced by Sam Witwer. Found in a broken state on a junk planet, clinging to life with mechanical spider legs and a fractured mind, Maul was restored thanks to his brother Savage Opress (Clancy Brown) and the Nightsister leader Mother Talzin (Barbara Goodson).
Fueled by vengeance, Maul re-entered the galaxy as a formidable power player. He formed the Shadow Collective, uniting criminal syndicates like the Pykes, Black Sun, and Death Watch. At one point, he ruled Mandalore and wielded the legendary Darksaber. His confrontation with Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) during the Siege of Mandalore in The Clone Wars Season 7 became one of the series’ most memorable battles. Though ultimately captured, Maul escaped in the aftermath of Order 66.
His journey continued in Star Wars Rebels, where Maul—older, more cunning, but still tormented—targeted Ezra Bridger (Taylor Gray) in hopes of finding new purpose. That pursuit eventually led him back to Obi-Wan, culminating in a haunting final duel on Tatooine during the “Twin Suns” episode. There, voiced by Stephen Stanton, Obi-Wan delivered the final blow, but not before Maul asked if his former enemy was protecting “the Chosen One”—a subtle reference to Luke Skywalker.
Maul’s last live-action appearance came in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, in a surprise twist that thrilled longtime viewers. Reprising the physical role, Ray Park appeared alongside Sam Witwer’s voice in a cameo, revealing Maul as the elusive leader of Crimson Dawn, manipulating galactic crime networks from the shadows.
From Sith enforcer to criminal mastermind, Maul’s narrative weaves through animation and film, growing more intricate with each chapter. His transformation over time has resonated deeply with fans, proving there’s always more story to tell.
Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord Officially Announced
That story will now continue in a major way. Lucasfilm officially revealed a brand-new animated series during Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, focused entirely on Maul’s dark legacy.
“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.
“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.”
Rumors have long suggested a Maul-focused Disney+ project was in development. The confirmation now marks a major win for fans eager to see how Maul’s story intersects with Solo: A Star Wars Story and the rise of Crimson Dawn. While audiences already know Maul’s ultimate fate, Shadow Lord has the opportunity to fill in the gaps—particularly how Maul came to helm the syndicate and influence the criminal underworld.
“Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord is currently in production and will debut on Disney+ in 2026,” the announcement concluded.
While Lucasfilm is skipping this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, a new look at the Maul series has been shared. Discussing Film (@DiscussingFilm) posted the image of Maul wielding his iconic dual red lightsaber:
First look image for ‘MAUL: SHADOW [Lord]’
The series follows Maul operating in the underworld during the Empire’s reign.
Releasing on Disney+ in 2026.
First look image for ‘MAUL: SHADOW WARRIOR’
The series follows Maul operating in the underworld during the Empire’s reign.
Releasing on Disney+ in 2026. pic.twitter.com/f1J9j9ttWp
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 24, 2025
The news of Shadow Lord in Tokyo came alongside several other major developments at Star Wars Celebration. Among them was the long-rumored film from Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) director Shawn Levy, which is now officially greenlit. Titled Star Wars: Starfighter, the standalone feature will take place five years after 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker and will star Ryan Gosling in the lead role. Production begins this fall, with a theatrical release date set for May 28, 2027.
How are you feeling about Maul’s return to the small screen? Sound off in the comments and let Inside the Magic know what you think!