A new animated series is set to explore the criminal underworld of the galaxy following the rise of the Empire. Titled Maul: Shadow Lord, the show focuses on Darth Maul as he builds his power base.
Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, the series is set approximately one year after the events of Revenge Of The Sith. This timeframe allows for the inclusion of several established Star Wars Characters who were active during the early days of Imperial rule.
Reports suggest various characters could appear, interacting with Maul's growing criminal organization, Crimson Dawn. Among them is Dryden Vos, a prominent figure within the syndicate during a later period. Showing his early involvement could provide context for the organization's hierarchy.
Asajj Ventress, known from The Clone Wars, may also feature. Her independent status as a bounty hunter during this era could bring her into conflict or uneasy alliance with Maul. Ventress is set to appear in Tales of the Underworld, which is set around the same time.
Jabba The Hutt and the Hutt Syndicate represent a major power bloc in the criminal galaxy. Maul previously clashed with the Hutt Clan alongside Savage Oppress, creating a history that could fuel rivalry in the new series.
Figures from the Empire's emerging power structure could also pursue Maul. The Grand Inquisitor, leader of the Inquisitorious, tasked with hunting force-sensitives after Order 66, might target Maul despite his lack of formal Jedi status, as seen in Rebels and the Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries).
Hondo Ohnaka, the pirate captain, shared past encounters with Maul in The Clone Wars. His story between the Clone Wars and Rebels contains gaps, and his appearance could shed light on events leading to his changed circumstances.
Qi'ra, first seen in Solo: A Star Wars Story alongside Han Solo on Correllia, is later revealed to be connected to Crimson Dawn and Maul. Exploring Maul's timeline could involve her story after Solo. More details about the upcoming series have been reported here.
Boba Fett, the renowned bounty hunter, has a significant period of his life between Attack Of The Clones and The Empire Strikes Back that remains largely unexplored. Planned stories, including those for Star Wars: Underworld, did not materialize, leaving a gap that the new series could address.
The highest levels of galactic power could also play a role. Emperor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, may see his former apprentice as a threat. This might lead to confrontations involving Darth Vader, Palpatine's new enforcer, potentially setting the stage for a notable duel between the two Sith Lords. Discussions regarding Darth Maul's timeline after the Clone Wars note many unresolved points.
Nika Futterman, who voices Asajj Ventress, commented on the character's return in a related animated series: "We've spent all these years knowing her as a bad guy who was definitely multi-layered but didn’t show a softer side. I don’t want to say she has become soft, but we explore a side of her besides the lone wolf road warrior that we’re familiar with.”
