Darth Maul Returns in New Animated Series Set for 2026

Tokyo, Japan — Lucasfilm announced on April 18, 2025, a new animated series titled Maul: Shadow Lord, which will premiere on Disney+ in 2026. The show focuses on the iconic villain Darth Maul and incorporates elements from George Lucas‘ original sequel trilogy plans, reviving a fan-favorite character from the Star Wars franchise.

The announcement was made during the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, where voice actor Sam Witwer joined Lucasfilm executives on stage to tease the upcoming series. Witwer, known for voicing Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, expressed excitement about further exploring the character. “We learn some different things about this character,” he said. “He’s got some different traits that you wouldn’t necessarily think he has that make perfect sense from what he’s been through.”

During the panel, Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer, and Athena Portillo, vice president of animation, shared a sneak peek of Maul: Shadow Lord, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The series is set approximately one year after The Clone Wars and will explore Maul’s recovery after his defeat by Ahsoka Tano.

Filoni provided details about the narrative direction of the series. Maul will head his crime syndicate during the Imperial era and will take on a dark side apprentice, a nod to the plans Lucas had for an expansive criminal underworld story arc. This apprentice is rumored to be inspired by the character Darth Talon, who first appeared in Star Wars Legends comics.

“The story elements align closely with the essence of what Lucas once envisioned for the sequel trilogy,” added Portillo. “We aim to honor those intentions while crafting a unique narrative.”

Witwer confirmed his active participation in the show’s development. “My involvement has been pristine,” he said. “It’s vital to hear my thoughts on the character depth that we have created over the years.”

The show promises a deeper exploration of Maul’s psyche and moral complexities shaped by his tumultuous experiences. “Fans can expect something fresh, yet familiar,” Witwer stated.

In addition to highlighting Maul’s journey, Maul: Shadow Lord aims to connect to previous stories, possibly linking back to themes introduced in Solo: A Star Wars Story. As fans eagerly anticipate the show, the combination of Maul’s character with the alluring premise of the dark side promises endless potential.