When is Star Wars' Maul: Shadow Lord going to premiere? Here's everything we know

Guess what, Star Wars fans? One of the most iconic villains in the galaxy is finally making a grand return, and no, we’re not talking about Vader this time. Darth Maul is back, and he’s getting his own animated series titled Maul: Shadow Lord, dropping on Disney+ in 2026. If you’ve been waiting to see more of this horned Sith Lord’s dark journey, this one’s for you.

The series was officially announced during the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, and it sent the fandom into a frenzy. Maul fans, you’ve waited long enough, and Lucasfilm is finally answering your prayers.

Every Star Wars fan has their favorite character. Some stand with the Jedi, while others side with the Sith. But one character who’s universally admired? Darth Maul. His dual lightsaber, devilish look, and fierce fighting style made him unforgettable. And now, after years of waiting, he's the star of his own show.

The best part? Sam Witwer is back to voice Maul. If you've followed Maul’s journey in animation, you already know that Witwer is the voice of the Sith. His powerful delivery brought so much depth and emotion to Maul’s character in the past, and he’s doing it again.

---

Sam Witwer’s history with Darth Maul

Sam has been with this character for a long time. He first voiced Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, continued the role in Star Wars Rebels, and even popped up in the 2018 film Solo: A Star Wars Story as a hologram. His return means we're in for a performance packed with intensity and drama.

The official synopsis teases something exciting:

“After the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.”

That’s right, Maul’s back in business, and he's aiming to rise as a crime lord, away from the prying eyes of the Empire. This is post-Clone Wars Maul, and he’s got a score to settle.

The show is set after the final season of The Clone Wars, which ended in an emotional climax involving Order 66. Now, Maul is left to navigate a galaxy where Jedi are hunted, clones are gone, and chaos rules the underworld.

If you watched The Clone Wars, you know Maul already had his own criminal network, the Shadow Collective. In this series, he’ll try to rebuild it, recruiting bounty hunters, smugglers, and outlaws. Expect underworld politics, betrayals, and power plays.

The idea of Maul finding a planet untouched by the Empire? That’s juicy. We might see new worlds, fresh characters, and untouched cultures, giving the Star Wars universe even more flavor.

Let’s be honest, fans have been begging for Maul to get his own story. While The Clone Wars and Rebels gave us glimpses, there are still so many blanks in his timeline. This show could finally answer all the lingering questions.

This isn’t just some spin-off or “what if” tale. This series is canon, directly tied into the existing Star Wars universe. That means events here could connect to other shows, films, and future storylines.

Rumors from the Tokyo panel hint at flashbacks, possibly exploring Maul’s early life. This would give us a rare look into his training under Darth Sidious, his childhood on Dathomir, and the trauma that shaped him.

Imagine seeing young Maul as a Nightbrother, taken from his family, molded into a killer. We might even learn more about his first missions, his pain, and his transformation into the cold, red-faced warrior we know today.

---

The rise of Darth Talon

Another exciting tidbit? The series may introduce Darth Talon. If you know the Expanded Universe (now Legends), she was a fierce, red-skinned Sith Lord. A canon version of her showing up would blow fans' minds and could even hint at Maul training his own apprentice.

Sure, many fans were hoping for a live-action series. But animation allows for epic battles, unique settings, and emotional storytelling that might not work on a TV budget. If The Clone Wars and Rebels proved anything, it’s that animation works really well for Star Wars.

Animation gives creators freedom. They can explore exotic planets, create crazy alien species, and stage jaw-dropping lightsaber duels without worrying about special effects costs. That means Maul’s story will be told exactly the way it should be: bold, intense, and visually stunning.

Let’s not forget: Maul has a massive fan base. Despite having just a few lines in The Phantom Menace, he became one of the most beloved villains ever. This show is a love letter to all the fans who never stopped hoping he'd return.

Maul isn’t just a cool villain. He’s a symbol of pain, survival, and revenge. From being cut in half to crawling back and rebuilding his life, Maul is the ultimate underdog, except, well, he’s on the Dark Side.

Could the show hint at Maul’s regrets? Maybe. While he’s no hero, Maul’s pain and loneliness could give us one of the most tragic redemption arcs in Star Wars history. Or maybe... he goes full villain again. Either way, it’ll be epic.

Maul: Shadow Lord is shaping up to be the Darth Maul story we've been waiting for. With Sam Witwer back in the booth, a post-Clone Wars setting, and potential for exploring the criminal underworld and Maul’s origin, this show could be the next big thing in Star Wars animation. Whether you're a Sith fan, a Clone Wars addict, or just love a good villain’s journey, 2026 can't come soon enough.