Benicio Del Toro has finally addressed long-standing rumors about his potential casting as Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace during a revealing conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. The 1999 film, directed by George Lucas, introduced the iconic Sith Lord, ultimately portrayed by Ray Park, whose chilling performance and double-bladed lightsaber became a hallmark of the Star Wars saga. For years, fans speculated that Del Toro was initially considered for the role, and now, the Oscar-winning actor has confirmed the truth behind the buzz.
On the podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz, Del Toro admitted he has no recollection of the old rumors saying that he was in talks to play Darth Maul. “No … I don’t remember that,” del Toro said when asked about the Maul rumor. “I don’t remember everything, but I don’t remember that. I don’t remember being cast in another Star Wars movie except for the one I was cast.”
Del Toro, celebrated for roles in Sicario and The Usual Suspects, expressed no regrets, graciously acknowledging Park’s fit for the part. Fans have since taken to social media to imagine Del Toro as the horned Zabrak, while appreciating the final casting that defined Maul’s legacy. Del Toro did eventually join the Star Wars universe in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, where he portrayed the enigmatic DJ, a morally ambiguous codebreaker whose real name remains unknown. The character, whose nickname stands for “Don’t Join” (reflecting his refusal to align with either side of the galactic conflict), plays a pivotal role in the Finn and Rose storyline. DJ first aids the Resistance heroes in escaping the opulent casino city of Canto Bight and assists in their mission to disable the First Order’s hyperspace tracking system. However, in a shocking twist, he betrays Finn and Rose, handing them over to the First Order for a payout, embodying his cynical, self-serving philosophy. Del Toro’s nuanced performance as DJ added depth to the film’s exploration of loyalty and morality, showcasing his ability to bring complex characters to life in the Star Wars saga.
In Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul was portrayed by martial artist Ray Park, with his menacing voice provided by Peter Serafinowicz. Despite being a focal point of the film’s marketing, Maul’s screen time was limited, a choice that sparked some fan criticism. George Lucas later expanded the character’s legacy in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where Sam Witwer voiced the revived Sith Lord.
Del Toro’s comments on the Happy Sad Confused podcast have sparked lively discussions among fans on social media, with many imagining how his intense screen presence might have shaped the horned Zabrak, while others continue to celebrate Ray Park’s definitive portrayal of Darth Maul. Given that The Phantom Menace hit theaters over 25 years ago, it’s understandable that Del Toro’s memory of a project he didn’t ultimately join might be foggy. His vague recollection could suggest that the Darth Maul casting rumors were largely fueled by fan speculation during the film’s development, possibly exaggerating the extent of his involvement. Regardless, his reflections add a compelling layer to the Star Wars saga’s history, keeping the legacy of The Phantom Menace alive as fans continue to debate the what-ifs of its iconic villain.
