LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA January 21, 2026 – In a thrilling announcement that has ignited excitement among Star Wars enthusiasts, Lucasfilm has revealed a teaser for the upcoming animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, with the full trailer set to premiere tomorrow. The series, streaming exclusively on Disney+ later this year, promises to delve deeper into the dark saga of one of the franchise’s most iconic villains, Darth Maul.
The teaser, released today on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), features ominous red and black visuals evoking Maul’s menacing presence. It includes shadowy silhouettes of lightsaber duels, a haunting rendition of “Duel of the Fates” from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and culminates in Maul’s signature sinister laugh, building anticipation for the Sith Lord’s return. Yellow-eyed glares and fiery text announcing “Trailer Tomorrow” dominate the short clip, hinting at intense action and dark themes.
Set after the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the series follows Maul as he survives his defeats and schemes to rebuild his criminal empire, Crimson Dawn, on a remote planet beyond the Empire’s reach. Voiced by Sam Witwer, who has portrayed Maul in previous animated projects like The Clone Wars and Rebels, the show is expected to explore the character’s unyielding quest for power without any redemption arc, staying true to his villainous roots. This marks a significant expansion of Maul’s storyline, which left fans hanging after his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The announcement comes amid a wave of Star Wars content, including the upcoming theatrical release of The Mandalorian & Grogu in May 2026. Fans have speculated that Maul – Shadow Lord could tie into broader narratives under Dave Filoni’s creative direction, especially given its connections to The Clone Wars era. Notably, the project’s reveal aligns with recent leadership shifts at Lucasfilm, sparking discussions about a potential fresh approach to the franchise.
