Star Wars Reveals New Darth Maul Anime Series "Maul – Shadow Lord" with Simultaneous April 6 Release in US and Japan
Star Wars continues to expand its universe with a bold new animated series, centered on one of its most iconic villains. In the first half-century of the franchise's global legacy, the latest Star Wars original animation: Maul – Shadow Lord has been officially announced, featuring the notoriously ruthless Sith knight, Darth Maul, as its central figure.
The series will premiere exclusively on Disney Plus with a simultaneous release in Japan and the United States on April 6. Two episodes will be released each week, for a total of ten episodes. Alongside the announcement, a powerful teaser trailer filled with intense action was released worldwide, showcasing Maul wielding his signature double-bladed red lightsaber in fierce combat.
About Darth Maul
Darth Maul first appeared in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Episode I as the terrifying Sith apprentice of the evil Emperor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious. His exceptional combat skills and mastery of the Force left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. In the film's climactic battle, Maul engaged in a fierce lightsaber duel against Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Although Maul succeeded in killing Qui-Gon, he was ultimately bisected by Obi-Wan and presumed dead. However, the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars later revealed that Maul survived thanks to the pure power of the Force, reconstructing his body and returning in an unexpected resurgence driven by his vendetta against Obi-Wan Kenobi. He later surprised fans with his sudden appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story as the leader of the underworld crime syndicate, Crimson Dawn.
The Dark Age Begins
Maul: Shadow Lord is set in the period immediately following The Clone Wars, during the dark age that followed the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Cast aside by Darth Sidious, Maul plots his revenge against the Empire while attempting to build a new criminal organization on a planet outside the Empire’s control.
During this time, he encounters a young Jedi Padawan who has lost faith in the galaxy. Seeing an opportunity, Maul attempts to recruit the Padawan as his apprentice, marking the beginning of a dangerous and emotional journey.
The newly released teaser features Maul ruthlessly cutting down enemies amidst blaster fire, throwing his lightsaber like a boomerang to sweep through a group of stormtroopers in rapid succession. The footage highlights the series’ gritty and dark tone.
A scene where Maul declares that the Empire will eventually fall, contrasted with a warning that the Emperor desires his death, hints at a story filled with peril, betrayal, and escalating tension.
Long considered one of Star Wars’ most mysterious and visually striking characters, Darth Maul retains immense popularity due to his raw power and striking design. This series explores his untold story after his defeat by Obi-Wan, as he operates from the shadows to plunge the galaxy into darkness once more.
