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

Disney+ Announces Exciting New Animated Series Focusing on Darth Maul’s Dark Past Disney+ has unveiled plans to launch a new animated series centered on one of the saga’s most enigmatic and formidable villains. The upcoming show, titled **"Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord,"** will delve into the complex story of Darth Maul, offering fans a fresh perspective on his dark journey within the galaxy far, far away. The series is set to premiere on **April 6, 2026**, with the first two episodes dropping simultaneously. Following the debut, new episodes will be released weekly in pairs, maintaining a consistent viewing schedule that keeps audiences engaged throughout the season. The season finale is scheduled for **May 4th**, a date that holds special significance for Star Wars enthusiasts as the franchise’s unofficial holiday. ### Strategic Release and Distribution Approach This release strategy highlights Disney+’s commitment to delivering high-quality animated content within the Star Wars universe. Launching with two episodes allows viewers to immerse themselves deeply in the story from the outset, while the subsequent weekly pair releases sustain momentum and interest. The culmination of the season on May 4th emphasizes the series’ importance within the broader Star Wars narrative. ### Plot Overview and Timeline Set one year after the events of **"Star Wars: The Clone Wars,"** *Shadow Lord* chronicles Darth Maul’s life in exile, driven by an insatiable desire for revenge and redemption. He aims to rebuild his criminal empire on a remote, forgotten planet beyond the Empire’s reach. During his quest, Maul encounters a disillusioned young Padawan, whose potential alliance could play a pivotal role in his relentless pursuit of vengeance. ### Creative Team and Canon Connection The series is crafted by seasoned Star Wars storytellers—**Dave Filoni** and **Matt Michnovetz**—both of whom have contributed significantly to the franchise’s animated lore. Their involvement ensures that *Shadow Lord* remains tightly integrated with the established canon, building on Darth Maul’s character development explored in previous Lucasfilm projects. ### Voice Cast and Character Returns Veteran voice actor **Sam Witwer** returns to bring Darth Maul to life, providing continuity and emotional depth to the character. The cast also includes **Gideon Adlon** as Devon Isara and **Wagner Moura** as Brander Lawson. The ensemble features notable talents such as **Richard Ayoade** (Tu-Boots), **Dennis Haysbert** (Master Ico-Dio-Daki), **Chris Diamantopoulos** (Luti Vario), **Charlie Bushnell** (Riley Lawson), **Vanessa Marshall** (Ruk Kast), **David Collins** (Spybot), **AJ Locascio** (Marrok), and **Steve Blum** (Icar). ### Impact on the Star Wars Universe *Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord* continues the franchise's tradition of exploring its most nuanced and morally complex characters. The series is expected to focus not only on high-stakes action and intrigue but also on Darth Maul’s internal transformation, shedding light on the motivations behind his actions and the evolution of his character. Scheduled for release in spring 2026, this series promises to be a landmark event for Star Wars fans, enriching the canonical history of Darth Maul and expanding the franchise's animated universe.