An animated action series set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow of the Sith is a creation by Lucasfilm Animation for Disney+. Conceived by Dave Filoni and developed alongside Matt Michnovetz, the series takes place after the events of The Clone Wars and focuses on one of the saga’s most memorable villains. Featuring the voice of Sam Witwer, it will premiere exclusively on the platform starting April 6, 2026, with two episodes released each week.
Survivor of the galactic upheavals that followed the fall of the Republic, Maul is trying to rebuild himself in a world now dominated by the Empire. Free from the direct grip of the Sith, the former apprentice operates from the shadows, working to restore his crime syndicate on a planet still untouched by Imperial rule. This new stronghold becomes the setting for intricate power plays, where smugglers, mercenaries, and rival crime factions cross paths.
Throughout the episodes, Maul’s journey intertwines with that of a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, encountered during his quest to reclaim power. Without revealing key plot twists, the series delves into themes of legacy, manipulation, and revenge, all set against the backdrop of a galaxy in flux. Moral and political dilemmas are at the heart of this tightly woven narrative.
Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, the series continues the visual and storytelling style established by the studio's previous animated productions. However, it adopts a darker, more mature tone. The eight episodes were overseen by Brad Rau, who has previously worked on several Star Wars animated series. Disney+ presents this project as a standalone story—accessible to newcomers—while also expanding on familiar narrative arcs for longtime fans.
The series will be available from April 6 to May 4, 2026 — a date famously known as "May the 4th Be With You" — with the release of the final two episodes on that day. The original voice cast includes Sam Witwer, Gideon Adlon, Wagner Moura, Richard Ayoade, Dennis Haysbert, and Vanessa Marshall, highlighting the show's dramatic ambitions as it explores the darker edge of the Force.
With its approach, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow of the Sith targets an audience that appreciates political and crime dramas, reminiscent of the darker story arcs in The Clone Wars and Rebels. The pacing focuses on power struggles, fragile alliances, and targeted confrontations, all while staying true to the franchise's iconic imagery and signature 3D animation style.
Star Wars: Maul – The Shadow Lord
Series | 2026
Season 1 available on Disney+ starting April 6, 2026
Action, animation | 8 episodes
Created by Lucasfilm Animation | Starring Sam Witwer
Original title: Star Wars: Darth Maul – Shadow Lord
Country: United States
With this new installment, the Star Wars saga continues to explore complex characters operating on the fringes of the classic hero’s journey. Focusing on Maul, the series shines a light on the gray areas of power and the deep scars left by decades of galactic warfare.
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