Following the announcement of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord at last year’s Star Wars Celebration, there was some reluctance by fans to genuinely get excited about a Maul series. Although the character is certainly beloved in the Star Wars fandom, his story has, by and large, been told. The Clone Wars did a splendid job of charting Maul’s survival after The Phantom Menace as well as his rise to power on the planet Mandalore. Subsequently, Star Wars Rebels weaved Maul into its own narrative in a fascinating way. Viewers got to learn more about his fall from grace and, most importantly, his demise at the hands of Obi-Wan on the dunes of Tatooine.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) established that there was more of Maul’s story to tell, specifically his criminal underworld history in the years leading up to the original Star Wars trilogy. Be as it may, it’s understandable to view the necessity of telling this particular tale in animation over various other Star Wars stories. Not to mention that this exact same era of the Empire’s early years was explored thoroughly in another Disney+ original series, The Bad Batch, which just ended less than 2 years ago. In total, it can be argued that Maul – Shadow Lord was faced with a steep uphill battle to justify its own existence.
A More Mature Storytelling Structure
Immediately, as the first episode of Maul – Shadow Lord ends, it’s evident that this is a significant departure from animated Star Wars shows that have come before. Famously, The Clone Wars succeeded with its episode-of-the-week structure, often telling narrative arcs spanning 3-4 episodes. Star Wars Rebels and The Bad Batch moved further towards a mix of serialized and episodic storytelling, with overarching narratives running through each season and a varied number of weekly adventures sprinkled in. Now, Lucasfilm Animation pivots completely to a serialized structure with Maul – Shadow Lord, telling a single focused narrative across 10 episodes.
Creators Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz build a new roster of supporting characters with Detective Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura), the Jedi duo Devon Izara and Eeko-Dio (Gideon Adlon and Dennis Haysbert), and Rook Kast (Vanessa Marshall). Each receives their own fleshed-out character arcs and subplots, getting enough time to shine alongside Maul himself. While this is not exactly revolutionary, it is a unique approach for Star Wars animation and one that succeeds very well.
Lucasfilm adapts their usual animation sensibilities to accommodate the chaotic depth of our titular character. It would not make sense for Maul to form his own Rebels-like crew to go on sporadic adventures with. Equally, that is not what Star Wars fans would want either. Instead, this series offers an effective look into Maul’s psyche and appetite for revenge, while also building upon its complex supporting roster. This kind of animated show isn’t made for younger viewers in mind. It’s clear that Maul – Shadow Lord is framed in this manner to appeal to an audience more favored for adult animation like Invincible or Arcane.
Thrilling New Animation Techniques
Keen-eyed fans may already have picked up from the trailers for Maul – Shadow Lord that this series employs some uncommon animation techniques for the Star Wars universe. With a reduced episode count and a greater focus on a single planet in this first season, Lucasfilm animators have been able to flourish. Maul – Shadow Lord flaunts unique stylizations that depart from the typical look of an animated Star Wars show.
Much of the location shooting for Janix is done brilliantly, with practical oil-on-canvas matte paintings that make the planet’s depth feel more tangible. The planet of Janix evolves just like the characters in the story and is given the same visual depth. Similarly, as the Empire is introduced throughout the series, iconic ships like the Star Destroyers are depicted practically with miniatures, an addition that helps make the Empire feel like a more vicious presence in this spin-off.
What is perhaps the biggest highlight in the animation changes for Maul – Shadow Lord is the lightsaber fights. Each fight is choreographed at a far more dynamic pace than ever seen before in Star Wars animation — not to mention how the lightsabers themselves are visualized in an extremely energetic manner. The combination of these elements brings together some of the best lightsaber sequences ever seen in an animated format; plenty are littered throughout the season for fans to enjoy.
Sam Witwer Delivers Fresh Layers of Complexity for Maul
To no surprise, voice actor Sam Witwer brings new layers of complexity to Maul. Without a doubt, Witwer has consistently stolen the show as Maul in his many appearances over the years. However, in Maul – Shadow Lord, he shines in all different directions. Witwer successfully brings back the menacing nature of Maul with ease, brilliantly underscoring the writing of the supporting cast. It’s easy to understand why they are so fearful of the former Sith Lord.
Furthermore, Witwer is at his best when showcasing perspectives of Maul that have not been explored enough before. The true origins of his lust for revenge and his grief are just two examples. Both of these elements are not only written fantastically for the screen, but Witwer also turns that writing into even more splendid viewing.
Maul – Shadow Lord Introduces Characters Destined to Be New Fan-Favorites
Wager Moura’s Detective Brander Lawson deserves to be recognized as much; the character perfectly encapsulates the last whiffs of law and order in a galaxy slowly being consumed by the Empire’s corruption. Lawson will surely become a new fan-favorite, just like Devon Izara, voiced by Gideon Adlon. The Jedi Padawan is a fascinating case study of how to be a true peacekeeper in a time when only survival matters for the Jedi Order. Both characters represent a more grounded view of justice than Maul’s chaotic vision of revenge throughout the series.
Maul – Shadow Lord is a breath of fresh air from the usual status quo of Star Wars animation. From an effective storytelling structure to vibrant animation techniques, there is a lot to love about Maul – Shadow Lord in its uniqueness alone compared to other animation titans like The Clone Wars and Rebels. But it is truly the strong execution of its original elements that makes this series an immediate must-watch, set to captivate audiences every week with each episode. Maul – Shadow Lord is an exciting new frontier for the franchise, reveling in a delicious and brutal tale of revenge.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord premieres on Disney+ on April 6!
Created by Dave Filoni.
Developed by Dave Filoni & Matt Michnovetz.
Executive Producers: Dave Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Carrie Beck, & Josh Rimes.
Main Voice Cast: Sam Witwer, Gideon Adlon, Wagner Moura, Richard Ayoade, Dennis Haysbert, Chris Diamantopoulos, Charlie Bushnell, Vanessa Marshall, David W. Collins, A. J. LoCascio, & Steve Blum.
Composers: Kevin Kiner, Sean Kiner, & Deana Kiner.
Production Companies: Lucasfilm Animation.
Episode Count: 10 (Season One).
