Lucasfilm has just dropped the first teaser for the highly anticipated animated series Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, giving fans a chilling glimpse of Darth Maul’s next chapter and confirming that the official trailer will premiere tomorrow, January 22, 2026. The short teaser runs under 30 seconds and delivers an atmosphere of unrelenting pursuit with stark audio overlays and the stark declaration “Wanted across the galaxy,” instantly reigniting interest in one of Star Wars’ most enduring and ferocious villains.
The upcoming series picks up roughly one year after the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, thrusting Maul back into the galactic spotlight as he claws his way toward dominance in the criminal underworld. Having survived his brutal defeats and rebuilt himself time and again, Maul now seeks to forge new alliances and consolidate power amid the shifting tides of a galaxy still reeling from the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire. This latest chapter promises to peel back more layers of the former Sith Lord’s complex psyche, blending his signature rage with unexpected traits shaped by years of betrayal, loss, and relentless survival.
Sam Witwer returns to voice Maul, reprising the role he has defined across Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Beyond performance, Witwer has played an active role in shaping the character’s direction for this project. He recently shared insight into what audiences can expect: “We learn some different things about this character. He’s got some different traits that you wouldn’t necessarily think he has that make perfect sense from what he’s been through.”
Lucasfilm Animation’s leadership has also underscored the importance of Witwer’s contributions. Athena Portillo, vice president of animation at Lucasfilm, spoke about the collaborative process in an interview with Variety: “Unfortunately I can’t tell you too much, but what I can say is Sam Witwer’s involvement in the show has been pristine. I’m very excited about him being able to review the scripts and provide input in all of that as well. Dave Filoni and Sam created the character for animation, and so it’s very important to hear his thoughts as well for the character depth.”
The project reunites key creative talents behind some of the most acclaimed Star Wars animated content. Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer and co-creator of Maul’s animated persona, oversees the series alongside head writer Matt Michnovetz and director Brad Rau. Their combined experience ensures the show will deliver the signature mix of intense lightsaber duels, political intrigue, and sophisticated character work that has defined Lucasfilm Animation’s output.
Maul’s journey has long fascinated fans: introduced as Darth Sidious’ deadly apprentice in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, presumed dead after his duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi, only to be shockingly revived in The Clone Wars with mechanical legs and a burning thirst for vengeance. He went on to lead the Shadow Collective, briefly rule Mandalore, and carve out a lasting legacy as one of the saga’s most visually iconic and narratively resilient antagonists. Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord builds on that foundation, offering fresh revelations about what drives him in this new era.
The teaser’s minimalist yet menacing tone—highlighted by phrases like “Heat” amid visuals suggesting a galaxy-wide manhunt—sets the stage for a story steeped in danger and ambition. With cutting-edge animation and a focus on psychological depth, the series aims to stand out as a bold addition to the ever-growing Star Wars canon.
Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord is scheduled to debut exclusively on Disney+ later in 2026.
