Executive Summary: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is a Lucasfilm Animation series premiering April 6, 2026 on Disney+. Set shortly after Star Wars: The Clone Wars and early in Emperor Palpatine’s reign, it follows former Sith Lord Darth Maul (voiced by Sam Witwer) as he rebuilds his criminal empire on the remote planet Janix, untouched by the Empire.
Across a 10-episode first season (two-episode premiere, then two new episodes weekly through May 4, Star Wars Day), Maul plots vengeance while clashing with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, Devon Izara (Gideon Adlon), and the local authorities. The show features stylized, noir-inspired animation and has been officially confirmed as part of Star Wars canon. Below is a comprehensive guide – with episode tables, timeline charts, cast details, trailer analysis, FAQ, and more – to everything Maul – Shadow Lord.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Guide
Alt: Official key art for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, featuring Maul’s scarred face illuminated by lightsaber glow. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is an upcoming animated series on Disney+ created by Lucasfilm Animation (Lucasfilm’s Dave Filoni). It’s set in the Reign of the Empire Era, picking up roughly a year after Maul’s last appearance in The Clone Wars. The plot centers on Maul (formerly Darth Maul), who, determined to reclaim his power, is “plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire”.
That planet is Janix, a newly introduced world where Maul meets Devon Izara, a young Jedi Padawan in hiding who “may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge”. The series promises a dark, pulpy crime saga in a layered city environment (described as “one part Gotham, one part Metropolis”) with Maul teaming up with old and new characters against the backdrop of the rising Empire.
What Is Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord About
Maul – Shadow Lord continues Maul’s story immediately after The Clone Wars. When the Empire takes over following Order 66, Maul survives in secrecy and begins plotting vengeance. The series follows “a pulpy adventure” in which Maul is building a new crime syndicate on Janix, a lawless underworld planet. There he encounters Devon Izara, a disillusioned former Jedi Padawan, and other locals (like police Captain Brander Lawson and his astromech partner Two-Boots) who challenge him. Together, Maul and Devon’s paths cross as each seeks purpose — Maul’s ruthless revenge and Devon’s survival. In short, the story is a noir crime-thriller: Maul’s criminal schemes collide with a morally grey hero on a frontier planet, in the early days of the Empire.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Release Date on Disney+
The series premiered on April 6, 2026, with a special two-episode premiere event on Disney+. New episodes (two at a time) are released each Monday at 12:00 a.m. PT, concluding with the finale on May 4, 2026 (Star Wars Day). Disney+ is the exclusive platform for Maul – Shadow Lord.
How Many Episodes Are in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes. The 10-episode run is divided into five weeks of releases (two episodes per week). Disney+ and StarWars.com confirm this count: the show has ten episodes, with two launched at premiere and two each week thereafter.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Episode Release Schedule
The official schedule is as follows:
- April 6, 2026 (Week 1): Episodes 1 & 2 (two-episode premiere)
- April 13, 2026: Episodes 3 & 4
- April 20, 2026: Episodes 5 & 6
- April 27, 2026: Episodes 7 & 8
- May 4, 2026 (Star Wars Day): Episodes 9 & 10
The Episode 1 title is “Chapter 1: The Dark Revenge” (runtime ~26 min), and Episode 2 is “Chapter 2: Sinister Schemes”. (Episode titles for 3–10 are: “Whispers in the Unknown”, “Pride and Vengeance”, “Inquisition”, “Night of the Hunted”, “Call to Oblivion”, “The Creeping Fear”, “Strange Allies”, and “Finale”, per StarWars.com.) Each episode is roughly 26 minutes long.
| Episode | Title | Runtime (approx.) | Release Date | Synopsis (brief) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Dark Revenge | ~26 min | Apr 6, 2026 | Maul executes an ambitious plan to consolidate power in Janix’s underworld. |
| 2 | Sinister Schemes | ~26 min | Apr 6, 2026 | Maul interrogates new captives; Captain Lawson begins to pursue him in the city streets. |
| 3 | Whispers in the Unknown | ~26 min | Apr 13, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 4 | Pride and Vengeance | ~26 min | Apr 13, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 5 | Inquisition | ~26 min | Apr 20, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 6 | Night of the Hunted | ~26 min | Apr 20, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 7 | Call to Oblivion | ~26 min | Apr 27, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 8 | The Creeping Fear | ~26 min | Apr 27, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 9 | Strange Allies | ~26 min | May 4, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
| 10 | Finale | ~26 min | May 4, 2026 | (Official synopsis not yet released.) |
Synopses for Episodes 3–10 were not available at press time and will be added as Disney releases more info.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Episode Release Schedule
StarWars.com confirms two episodes per week, with the premiere on April 6 and the finale on Star Wars Day (May 4). This follows the announced schedule: “two new episodes premiering weekly at 12 a.m. PT beginning April 6, 2026, on Disney+”.
Who Voices Maul in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Darth Maul is voiced by Sam Witwer, who also voiced Maul in Clone Wars and Rebels. Witwer brings continuity from past series. (In those series, and the 2008 The Clone Wars film, he was credited as the voice of Maul.)
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Cast and Characters
The principal voice cast (as announced by Lucasfilm) is shown below, with brief character descriptions and notable credits:
| Character | Voice Actor | Character Description | Notable Credits (actor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maul | Sam Witwer | Former Sith (countless double-bladed lightsaber expert), now scheming to rebuild his underworld empire. | Sam Witwer voiced Maul in Clone Wars & Rebels; appeared in Solo, Rebel Moon. |
| Devon Izara | Gideon Adlon | Young Twi’lek Jedi Padawan in hiding after Order 66; adaptive fighter with a blue lightsaber. | Gideon Adlon starred in Blockers (2018) and The Mustang (2019). |
| Captain Brander Lawson | Wagner Moura | Janix police captain committed to keeping citizens safe; single father. | Wagner Moura is known for Narcos (as Pablo Escobar). |
| Two-Boots | Richard Ayoade | Lawson’s by-the-book police droid partner with a “penchant for footwear”. | Richard Ayoade is famed for portraying Moss on The IT Crowd. |
| Master Eeko-Dio Daki | Dennis Haysbert | Devon’s Jedi master, helping her survive after Order 66. (A former Jedi knight.) | Dennis Haysbert is known for President Palmer in 24 and Major League. |
| Looti Vario | Chris Diamantopoulos | A diminutive Aleena crime boss in a mech suit, fiercely involved in Janix’s underworld. | Chris Diamantopoulos voices Mickey Mouse (since 2013); acted in Silicon Valley (TV). |
| Rylee Lawson | Charlie Bushnell | Young son of Captain Lawson, struggling with the tension between law and chaos on Janix. | Charlie Bushnell appeared on Legends of Tomorrow and Two Sentence Horror Stories. |
| Rook Kast | Vanessa Marshall | Skilled Mandalorian warrior loyal to Maul; previously seen in Clone Wars. | Vanessa Marshall famously voices Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels. |
| Spybot | David W. Collins | Maul’s sinister robotic pet/droid, part cat-like, part probe droid (comic relief with a bad attitude). | David W. Collins has voiced many Star Wars droids (e.g. The Bad Batch). |
| Marrok | A.J. LoCascio | The First Brother (Inquisitor) Marrok from Ahsoka, hunting Force users for the Empire. | A.J. LoCascio voiced Lego Han Solo and Obi-Wan in Lego projects. |
| Icarus | Steve Blum | A Zabrak Nightbrother warrior and Maul’s loyal brute (cousin of Zeb from Rebels), wielding a heavy blaster. | Steve Blum voiced Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios in Star Wars Rebels; prolific anime/game voice actor. |
Sources: Official StarWars.com and Disney+ press releases.
Who Is Devon Izara in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Devon Izara is a Twi’lek former Jedi Padawan on the run after Order 66. Official descriptions explain that “Devon Izara [is] a young Twi’lek and former Jedi Padawan who finds herself on the run from the Empire in the aftermath of Order 66”. In the series, Devon is portrayed as brave yet vulnerable — a teenager forced to adapt to a dangerous, lawless galaxy. In interviews, Dave Filoni notes Devon will have to make hard choices about right and wrong while learning under Maul.
What Planet Is Janix in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Janix is a newly introduced planet created for this series. It features a sprawling city built inside a large meteor-crater (mix of urban sprawl and jungle). Lucasfilm concept artists describe Janix as “essentially built into a crater… one part Gotham, one part Metropolis”. Notably, Janix has largely escaped heavy Imperial oversight, making it a haven for criminals, ex-Jedi, and outcasts. This relative freedom is what draws Maul and Devon there. In short, Janix is a new, uncharted world of criminal turf and neon-lit streets.
Where Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Fits in the Star Wars Timeline
The series is set in the Imperial Era, specifically shortly after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars. Press materials explicitly place Maul – Shadow Lord “after the events of The Clone Wars” and near the “beginning of Emperor Palpatine’s reign”. In Star Wars chronology, it falls around 19 BBY, roughly one year after Order 66 (19 BBY) when the Jedi Order falls. This is years before the timeline of Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka.
19 BBYOrder 66 / CloneWars ends18 BBYMaul – Shadow Lordevents5 BBYStar Wars Rebels(series begins)Star Wars TimelineShow code
Is Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Canon
Yes. Maul – Shadow Lord is an official Lucasfilm Animation production on Disney+ and is canonical within the Star Wars universe. It is “based on Star Wars and characters created by George Lucas” and continues the saga’s timeline between prequel and original trilogies. As Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni have confirmed, this series is full canon, slotting in right after Clone Wars and before Rebels.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Trailer Breakdown
The official trailers (released Jan and Mar 2026) give visual highlights of the series. Key moments include:
- Logo & Atmosphere: The Disney/Lucasfilm logos smear into crimson as if sliced by a lightsaber, immediately signaling a darker tone.
- Janix Cityscape: Neon-lit high-rises crowd a jungle rim; the planet’s unique crater-city setting is shown (see concept art)
Alt: Concept art of Janix city built into a crater with towering futuristic buildings at dusk..
- Maul in Action: Maul appears with his double-blade lightsaber, stalking through shadows. A tense early showdown is Maul versus Captain Lawson on Janix’s streets (see image)
Alt: Maul (left) in a cloak faces Capt. Brander Lawson in the rain-soaked streets of Janix..
- Alliance with Devon: Devon Izara is introduced in the trailer wielding her blue lightsaber with determination (image below)
Alt: Devon Izara, a green-skinned Twi’lek with blue eyes, prepares to draw her lightsaber..
- Tea Ceremony Moment: Unexpectedly, Maul calmly joins Devon in a ceremonial tea-drinking scene, showing a rare moment of quiet character interaction (emphasizing Maul’s evolving personality).
- Villains & Allies: Brief shots of the Inquisitor Marrok (from Ahsoka) and other enemy forces (like a looming Stormtrooper horde) flash by, underscoring the Imperial threat. Mandalorian warrior Rook Kast appears loyal to Maul, and Maul’s new droid Spybot is glimpsed snarly at his side.
- Final Stinger: The trailer ends on Maul’s intense glare and the tag, “The age of Maul begins”.
Each trailer clip is packed with cinematic wide shots and close-ups. Overall, the preview emphasizes dark, action-packed visuals and a noir-ish style. We’ve embedded official art frames above for context; these images correspond to scenes in the trailers and promotional stills, giving a sense of Janix’s city and key character moments.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Animation Style Explained
The animation style is a bold hybrid of CGI and traditional methods. StarWars.com notes it is “stylized animation emblematic of the gritty new cityscape” with a neo-noir aesthetic. The team even used physical brushstrokes on glass and matte paintings to achieve a painterly look for close-ups and backgrounds. Compared to earlier Star Wars cartoons, this series features more fluid body animation and especially expressive faces (the team “upgraded the performances of our main characters” to be more nuanced). Visual effects include streaky lightsaber trails and dramatic lighting, giving Maul – Shadow Lord a unique cinematic feel among Star Wars animations.
Who Created Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
The series was created and developed by Dave Filoni (Lucasfilm Animation’s EVP) along with writer Matt Michnovetz. Filoni, known for Clone Wars and Rebels, is spearheading this project for Lucasfilm Animation. Executive Producer Athena Portillo oversaw animation style, with Brad Rau as supervising director. Lucasfilm made clear Maul – Shadow Lord “is based on Star Wars and characters created by George Lucas”, reinforcing the official pedigree.
How Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Connects to The Clone Wars and Rebels
This series picks up directly after The Clone Wars, featuring characters from that era and story threads. For example, Mandalorian Rook Kast (voiced by Vanessa Marshall) returns from Clone Wars into Maul’s crew. The Inquisitor “Marrok” also reappears; he was first seen hunting Sabine in Ahsoka (which ties to Rebels). Maul himself was a Clone Wars villain. Chronologically, Shadow Lord bridges Clone Wars and Rebels: it occurs years after Clone Wars, but years before Rebels.
It acknowledges events like Order 66 and Siege of Mandalore, and sets up Maul’s fate that leads into the Rebels era. Fans of those series will recognize returning voice actors and continuity nods (though the story stands on its own). In summary, Maul – Shadow Lord is an official sequel to Clone Wars and a prequel to Rebels in the Star Wars saga.
Will There Be a Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Season 2
Yes. Lucasfilm has officially announced Season 2 is in development even before Season 1 premiered. Dave Filoni has stated he already has “an endgame planned” for Maul and confirmed that “Maul’s story continues” beyond this season. However, exact timing and episode count for Season 2 are not yet known. (All we know now is that Season 1 finale airs May 4, 2026.) Until Disney reveals more, we assume no details about Season 2 have been released, though its existence is confirmed.
Where to Watch Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Online
The series is exclusive to Disney+. There are no plans for Netflix or theatrical releases – Disney+ is the only place to stream Maul – Shadow Lord. It is available globally to Disney+ subscribers (availability coincides with the platform’s Star Wars content roll-out on each Monday’s early release time).
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Review and First Reactions
Early reactions to Maul – Shadow Lord have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praise its dark, cinematic style and action-packed story. TimeOut called the two-episode premiere “triumphant” and “promising”. Polygon lauded it as “a stunning and compelling homage to the pulpy neo-noir genre”. Variety complimented the “Blade Runner”-like city of Janix and intense lightsaber battles, while IGN noted the first episodes weave “an exciting narrative” that balances Maul with new supporting characters. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, early reviews hail Shadow Lord as “one of the franchise’s best TV series ever,” highlighting “top-tier animation” and action.
Fans have especially noted the stunning animation (some calling it the best yet in Star Wars animation) and Sam Witwer’s performance. Minor criticisms mention a slow build in episode 1, but overall critics agree it’s a must-watch for Star Wars fans, especially those who enjoyed Clone Wars and Rebels. (Notably, Season 2 was greenlit before Season 1’s debut, reflecting confidence in the series.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Maul – Shadow Lord?
It’s a new animated Star Wars series on Disney+, focusing on Darth Maul after The Clone Wars. Maul returns to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a lawless planet (Janix) and crosses paths with a young Jedi, all during the early Empire period. - When and where can I watch it?
Maul – Shadow Lord premiered on April 6, 2026 on Disney+. New episodes (2 per week) release each Monday through May 4, 2026. You must have Disney+ to watch it. - How many episodes are in Season 1?
There are 10 episodes in Season 1. The first two episodes dropped on April 6, and the final two on May 4 (Star Wars Day). Each episode is about 26 minutes long. - Who voices Darth Maul?
Darth Maul is voiced by Sam Witwer, reprising the role from earlier Clone Wars/Rebels. - What is Janix?
Janix is a new planet introduced in the series. It’s an untouched, frontier world with a big city in a meteor-crater and very little Empire presence. It serves as the main setting where Maul starts his plans. - Is this series canon?
Yes – it’s an official Lucasfilm animated series. It continues the story of Maul after Clone Wars and is part of the official Star Wars timeline. - How does it connect to The Clone Wars and Rebels?
It occurs right after Clone Wars (roughly 19 BBY) and years before Rebels. Some characters crossover: Mandalorian Rook Kast from Clone Wars returns, and the Inquisitor Marrok from Ahsoka appears. Understanding Maul’s past in Clone Wars helps, but the story is self-contained. - What is the animation style?
The show uses stylized CG animation with a noir feel. The team used practical techniques (painting on glass, matte paintings) for a unique brush-stroke look. Expect fluid movements and painterly close-ups that are darker and more mature in tone than previous series. - Will there be a Season 2?
Yes, Lucasfilm has already announced Season 2 is in the works. No release date or details yet. - What are critics saying?
Early reviews are highly positive. Critics praise its action and style – TimeOut called it “triumphant”, and Rotten Tomatoes reports “action-heavy” acclaim. Overall, it’s being hailed as one of the best Star Wars animated series so far.
Conclusion
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is a highly anticipated, canonical animated series that expands Darth Maul’s saga in new ways. It delivers a gritty, action-packed story during the rise of the Empire, and it has already earned strong critical praise. Available exclusively on Disney+ starting April 6, 2026, this series will deepen the lore of Maul and set up future chapters in his story. (With Season 2 already confirmed, Maul’s journey is far from over.)
Sources and Citations
- https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-maul-shadow-lord-season-2
StarWars.com. “Maul – Shadow Lord Season 2 Announced.” April 2, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-maul-shadow-lord-teaser-trailer
StarWars.com. “Maul – Shadow Lord Teaser Trailer and Poster.” January 22, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-maul-shadow-lord-trailer-breakdown
StarWars.com. “Official Trailer Breakdown.” March 16, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/series/maul-shadow-lord
StarWars.com / Disney+. “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.” Updated April 7, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/series/maul-shadow-lord#episodes
StarWars.com. “Maul – Shadow Lord Episodes List.” - https://www.starwars.com/news/welcome-to-janix
StarWars.com Databank. “Welcome to Janix.” April 7, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/news/meet-the-cast-of-maul-shadow-lord
StarWars.com. “Meet the Cast of Maul – Shadow Lord.” April 6, 2026. - https://www.starwars.com/news/maul-shadow-lord-cast-update
StarWars.com. “Maul – Shadow Lord Updated Cast Feature.” April 6, 2026. - https://www.timeout.com/tv/star-wars-maul-shadow-lord-review
TimeOut. “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Review.” April 8, 2026. - https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/star-wars-maul-shadow-lord-first-reviews/
Rotten Tomatoes. “Maul – Shadow Lord First Reviews.” April 7, 2026.
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