Get ready to feel the chill of a red lightsaber igniting once more—Darth Maul is back, and this time, he’s stepping out of the shadows in a brand-new Disney+ animated series, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this just another gap-filler in the Star Wars timeline, or does it promise something truly groundbreaking? Let’s dive in.
Published on February 24, 2026, this exclusive reveal comes from Collider’s Adam Blevins, a seasoned entertainment journalist who’s interviewed talents from Marvel Studios, House of the Dragon, and Planet of the Apes. Since joining Collider in 2024, Blevins has penned over 3,000 articles, covering everything from box office hits to streaming sensations. You can follow his work on X, LinkedIn, and Muckrack.
Darth Maul first terrified audiences in 1999’s The Phantom Menace, and now, decades later, he’s returning in a series that promises to explore his rise as a shadowy mastermind. Ray Park brought Maul to life in live-action, but it’s Sam Witwer who’s become the voice fans associate with the character, thanks to his roles in The Clone Wars and Rebels. And this is the part most people miss: Maul - Shadow Lord takes place just one year after The Clone Wars, setting the stage for events that precede Rebels. This timeline choice continues Star Wars’ tradition of bridging gaps in its sprawling narrative—but does it add depth or just retread old ground?
Collider’s Exclusive Spring Preview event has unveiled a striking new image of Maul igniting his iconic red lightsaber, a moment that’s sure to send shivers down fans’ spines. The series also introduces a Twi’lek apprentice, a young Force user struggling to reach her potential. Here’s the kicker: Could this apprentice become a fan-favorite character, or will she fade into the background of Maul’s story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The first trailer also confirmed Wagner Moura’s casting as Brandon Lawson, a role that marks his return to the spotlight after his Oscar-nominated performance in The Secret Agent. Moura’s involvement adds a layer of intrigue—will his character challenge Maul, or become another pawn in his game?
But Star Wars isn’t stopping there. Just weeks after Maul - Shadow Lord concludes, The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026, starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver. And in 2027, Starfighter takes flight, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling alongside Mia Goth, Matt Smith, and Amy Adams. Bold prediction: Could Starfighter redefine space combat in the Star Wars universe, or will it struggle to live up to the hype?
As we gear up for Maul - Shadow Lord’s April 6 premiere, with new episodes dropping weekly until May 4, one question lingers: Will this series elevate Darth Maul’s legacy, or is it just another entry in an already crowded franchise? Share your predictions below—we’re all ears!
