Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord: Everything We Know About Disney+’s Dark New Series (Trailer Inside)

Let’s face it, the Star Wars universe on Disney+ has had its fair share of hit-or-miss moments lately. But forget your fatigue, because Lucasfilm is finally delivering the one thing fans have been clamoring for: more Maul. No, not just a cameo or a flashback; we're talking about a full, 10-episode animated series dedicated to the former Sith Lord himself. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is crashing onto the streaming service this April, and it promises to be the gritty, criminal underworld saga that Solo only hinted at. This isn't just another Jedi-centric romp; this is a deep dive into the galaxy's most stylish crime boss, exploring his rise to power and his search for an apprentice in the shadowed vacuum following the Empire's ascendancy.

Get ready for a visually stunning, character-driven story that leverages Sam Witwer's iconic voice work and a fresh, "edgier" animation style.

Set a year after the devastating events of The Clone Wars and well before his fated encounter with Obi-Wan Kenobi in Rebels, Shadow Lord fills in the crucial gap in Maul's timeline. The Galactic Empire is still cementing its control, leaving room for a power vacuum in the criminal world. Enter Maul, aiming to rebuild his syndicate on the neutral, crater-city planet of Janix. The show's premise is tantalizing: a broken, vengeful figure trying to be a mentor. His new charge, Devon Izara, a disillusioned Twi'lek ex-Padawan, offers a fascinating dynamic. It’s a compelling master-apprentice setup that pushes the boundaries of the usual light vs. dark narratives.

The visuals alone are worth the Disney+ subscription. The "painterly" animation style from The Clone Wars is back but with an upgrade, expect a feast of deep reds, purples, and thick shadows that perfectly match the series' dark tone. The return of voice acting powerhouse Sam Witwer ensures that every line of dialogue lands with the necessary gravitas and menace. Add in an appearance from the mysterious Inquisitor Marrok (yes, that Marrok from Ahsoka) and you have a recipe for some serious canon connections and satisfying conflict.

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is shaping up to be a must-watch event for both hardcore fans and casual viewers looking for something with a bit more bite than your average Gungan encounter. With its April 6, 2026 premiere date and weekly double-episode drops, it promises a tight, binge-worthy experience leading up to the May 4 finale. The TV Cave suggests strapping in for a thrilling ride through the galaxy’s grimiest corners. It’s an ambitious project that has all the ingredients to be a standout hit in the crowded Star Wars pantheon. Let's just hope Filoni and team deliver the goods and give the Dathomirian Lord the spotlight he truly deserves.