Lucasfilm just released a teaser trailer as well as new details about the upcoming animated series Maul – Shadow Lord. Here’s the most relevant information.
Release date
Maul – Shadow Lord releases on April 6, with two episodes per week until its finale on May 4, with a total of ten episodes.
- April 6: Episodes 1 & 2
- April 13: Episodes 3 & 4
- April 20: Episodes 5 & 6
- April 27: Episodes 7 & 8
- May 4: Episodes 9 & 10
Cast
Sam Witwer returns to give another epic performance as Maul. Additionally, we have confirmation of the following actors and their roles: Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as the voice of Maste Eeko-Dio-Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee, Lawson, David C. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, Steve Blum as Icarus, and Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast.
Plot
Maul – Shadow Lord picks up after Season 7 of The Clone Wars. The former Sith is planning to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet that isn’t tainted by the Empire’s presence. This is where he’ll find a confused young Padawan who could be the apprentice he’s wanted.
This is just a few months after the rise of the Empire. We know this because the Empire is utilizing TK Troopers, who first appeared in The Bad Batch as replacements for the Clone Troopers. The TK Troopers’ armor is later changed to the classic Stormtrooper armor we all know.
Much of the story will take place in Janix, a city inspired that combines elements of Gotham and Metropolis with Star Wars.
It’s a city essentially built into a crater on this planet that is untouched by the Empire. It’s got a functioning democracy and law enforcement doing a good job of policing their own community. It’s a rich environment for crime and gangsters, but so far there’s been a very peaceful accord between all of them in the interest of business. – Executive Producer Matt Michnovetz
Aside from the criminal syndicates that will challenge Maul’s claim on Janix, the trailer also shows Marrok and the Eleventh Brother, who is killed by Ahsoka in Tales of the Jedi. So even if the Empire isn’t actively present on Janix, they’re certainly interested in eliminating Maul once and for all.
Creating a criminal syndicate involves a lot of effort and work. As dangerous and smart as he is, even Maul is incapable of doing so without help from allies and subordinates. It’s safe to assume that Maul will be on a quest to recruit new and old allies.
For less than a second, we can see him fighting alongside two other Zabraks. I believe that these are his brothers from Dathomir. Even if Grievous killed most of the Nightsisters, thanks to Jedi: Fallen Order, we know that there are still many male Zabraks living there. Without Mother Talzin, it makes perfect sense that they’d follow Maul.
There’s also Rook Kast, with the death of Gar Saxon she is likely the new leader of the Mandalorian Supercommandos. If there’s one thing we learned about them in Clone Wars, it’s that they’re very loyal to Maul, even if that doesn’t go both ways.
With warmongering Zabrak warriors, experienced Mandalorian Supercommandos, and a potential apprentice, Maul definitely has the upper hand against the other syndicates.
This teaser already revealed a decent number of characters, but now I’m wondering about those who didn’t appear in the trailer. There’s a handful that I believe could make an appearance, but the two I’m most curious about are Asajj Ventress and Darth Vader.
Ventress knows Maul personally, and since she’s in the underworld business, it’s not too crazy to think their paths might cross. The second and most exciting one is Darth Vader. In Rebels, Maul acknowledges the fact that he can’t beat Darth Vader alone. I’m hoping that we get to see him learn that lesson in this show.
Regardless of who appears (or not) in the show, it’s very exciting to have a show that’s going to focus on the point of view of an antagonist and his war against other villains.
It’s bad guys vs worse guys – Sam Witwer
