LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA January 23, 2026 – In a galaxy far, far away, the dark side is rising once more. Lucasfilm has dropped the first teaser trailer for “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” an upcoming animated series set to premiere on Disney+ with a two-episode launch on April 6, 2026.
The announcement came via the official Star Wars X account, where the post quickly garnered over 22,000 likes and millions of views, signaling strong fan excitement. The trailer, clocking in at just over a minute, promises a gritty exploration of Darth Maul’s post-Clone Wars era, focusing on his role as a shadowy crime lord navigating the underbelly of the galaxy.
From the creators of the beloved “The Clone Wars,” the series appears to delve into themes of ambition, survival, and rebellion against the Empire. The teaser opens with ominous narration: “Times have changed. I will show you the galaxy for what it truly is.” It features stunning animation showcasing futuristic cityscapes, intense lightsaber duels, stormtroopers in pursuit, and Maul himself wielding his iconic red blade. Key lines hint at the plot, including Maul’s invitation to “look more closely” and offers of “opportunity,” culminating in the tagline: “Chains can be broken. Empires can be shattered.”
Visual highlights include Maul confronting enemies in dimly lit corridors, high-stakes chases through neon-lit urban environments, and glimpses of other characters, such as a Twi’lek figure and armored warriors, suggesting alliances and betrayals in the criminal underworld. The animation style echoes the high-quality production of previous Star Wars animated ventures, with dynamic action sequences and atmospheric lighting that amplify the tension.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One user, @NerdyBrent , joked about taking the day off to watch, while @StarWarsExplain praised the animation team for its “amazing” work. Others highlighted the series’ potential to be “the best Star Wars project of the last 10 years,” emphasizing its focus on crime, ambition, and consequences.
This new series expands on Darth Maul’s storyline, building on his appearances in “The Phantom Menace,” “The Clone Wars,” and “Rebels.” As a former Sith apprentice turned independent operator, Maul’s journey into the shadows offers fresh narrative territory for the franchise.
With “The Mandalorian & Grogu” movie also slated for theaters in May 2026, Star Wars fans have much to anticipate this year. “Maul – Shadow Lord” will stream exclusively on Disney+, continuing the platform’s dominance in delivering Star Wars content.
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