Star Wars fans have a new reason to get excited - Lucasfilm has officially dropped the trailer for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, an animated series that brings one of the saga’s most iconic villains back into the spotlight. The teaser hints at a darker, more personal chapter in Darth Maul’s story set in the era after the Clone Wars.
When It Premieres & Episode Format
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 6, 2026, beginning with a two-episode launch. From there, two new episodes will drop each week, leading up to a finale on Star Wars Day - May 4. Across this first season, fans can look forward to a total of 10 episodes of serialized storytelling.
This release schedule gives the series a rhythmic, weekly momentum that builds anticipation and allows viewers to digest each part of Maul’s journey through the underworld of the galaxy.
What the Trailer Shows
The new trailer gives a glimpse into the gritty world of Janix, a criminal underworld stronghold untouched by the Empire, where Maul aims to rebuild his power and legacy in the aftermath of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Visually, the series blends stylized animation with gritty worldbuilding, combining classic Star Wars energy with fresh design elements. Maul appears more calculating and intense than ever, hinting at emotional beats and character depth beyond his identity as a Sith.
Story & Characters
Following the events of Clone Wars, Maul is a complex figure trying to carve out his place in a galaxy now dominated by the Galactic Empire. The series explores his quest to rebuild his criminal syndicate and introduces new alliances - including a disillusioned Jedi Padawan who may become his apprentice - setting up a layered narrative of loyalty, power, and revenge.
The voice cast reunites several familiar talents, including:
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Sam Witwer as Maul - reprising his role from The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and other Star Wars projects
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Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara
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Oscar® nominee Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson
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Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, among others.
Together, this cast brings depth and personality to a story that expands the Star Wars narrative in a bold and character-driven way.
Why This Trailer Matters
This trailer matters not just because it marks the return of Darth Maul, but because it positions Maul – Shadow Lord as a story-rich animated series that bridges narrative gaps between The Clone Wars and later entries in Star Wars lore. The focus isn’t only on lightsaber clashes and action sequences - although those are present - but on the underworld politics and emotional arcs of Maul himself.
For fans of animation, Star Wars history, and character-driven storytelling, this series promises something both familiar and fresh - a chance to see a legendary antagonist in a more nuanced light, framed within new settings and conflicts.
Final Thoughts
With its April 6, 2026 premiere just around the corner, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is shaping up to be one of Disney+’s most compelling animated entries yet. Whether you’re following Maul’s long, villainous arc or discovering his story for the first time, there’s a lot to look forward to - especially as the series unfolds week by week on Disney+.
Stay tuned to Iron Studios for more updates - including collectible reveals from the Star Wars universe.
