"Star Wars: Darth Maul - Lord of Shadows" has received a release date.

Disney+ Announces Exciting New Animated Series Focused on a Dark Star Wars Villain Disney+ has officially announced an upcoming animated series centered on one of the most enigmatic and tragic figures in the Star Wars universe. Titled **"Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord,"** this series promises to delve into the complex story of Darth Maul, one of the franchise’s most iconic and shadowy antagonists. Premiering on **April 6, 2026**, the series will debut with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases, with episodes coming out in pairs. The season is scheduled to conclude on **May 4th**, a date celebrated as Star Wars Day, making it a highly symbolic finale for fans worldwide. ### Strategic Release and Distribution Approach This release strategy highlights the significance of **"Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord"** within Disney+’s animated lineup. Starting with a double episode provides viewers with an immersive introduction to the storyline, while the subsequent weekly release of episodes in pairs aims to sustain audience interest and engagement over the season. The finale aligning with Star Wars Day emphasizes the series’ special place within the franchise’s mythos. ### Plot Overview and Timeline Set a year after the events of **"Star Wars: The Clone Wars,"** **"Shadow Lord"** explores Darth Maul’s life as an exile, driven by a relentless hunger for revenge and a desire to restore his power. His quest leads him to a remote, forgotten planet where he begins rebuilding his criminal empire beyond the reach of the Empire. During this journey, Maul encounters a disillusioned young Padawan, whose potential alliance could be pivotal in his pursuit of vengeance. The series promises a narrative rich in intrigue, character development, and the ongoing struggle between darkness and redemption. ### Creative Team and Canon Connection The series is crafted by renowned Star Wars storytellers **Dave Filoni** and **Matt Michnovetz**, both of whom have a deep history of contributing to the franchise’s lore. Their involvement ensures that **"Shadow Lord"** remains tightly integrated with the established Star Wars canon, especially given their extensive work on previous animated projects that explored Darth Maul’s character. ### Voice Cast and Character Return Fans will be pleased to hear that **Sam Witwer** reprises his role as Darth Maul, lending continuity and emotional depth to the character. The main cast also features notable actors including **Gideon Adlon** as Devon Isara and **Wagner Moura** as Brander Lawson. The ensemble cast boasts talented performers such as **Richard Ayoade**, **Dennis Haysbert**, **Chris Diamantopoulos**, **Charlie Bushnell**, **Vanessa Marshall**, **David Collins**, **AJ Locascio**, and **Steve Blum**, enriching the series with diverse performances. ### Importance for the Star Wars Franchise **"Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord"** continues the franchise’s tradition of exploring its more nuanced and morally complex characters. The series aims to focus not only on thrilling action and suspense but also on the internal struggles and transformation of Darth Maul—one of the saga’s most compelling villains. Set to premiere in spring 2026, this series is poised to be a major event for Star Wars enthusiasts, expanding the canonical story of Darth Maul and offering fresh insights into his character arc within the broader saga.