"Star Wars: Darth Maul - Lord of Shadows" has received a premiere date.

Disney+ has unveiled plans for an animated series about one of the saga's darkest characters.

The streaming service Disney+ has officially announced the premiere date for the animated series "Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord", dedicated to one of the most recognizable and tragic villains in a galaxy far, far away. The first two episodes will debut on April 6, 2026, followed by new episodes released weekly in pairs.

The season finale is scheduled for May 4th—a symbolic date for all Star Wars fans, traditionally celebrated as the franchise's unofficial holiday.

Release Schedule and Broadcasting Strategy

The chosen release model underscores the project's status as one of Disney+'s key animated releases in the Star Wars universe. Launching with two episodes at once aims to immerse viewers fully in the story, while the weekly release of paired episodes is designed to maintain steady audience interest throughout the season.

The series concluding on May 4th appears symbolic and highlights the project's special place within the franchise's overarching mythology.

Plot and Timeline

The events of Shadow Lord take place one year after the finale of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Darth Maul is portrayed as an exile, consumed by a thirst for revenge and a desire to reclaim his lost standing.

He plans to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a forgotten planet, untouched by the Empire's reach. It is there that his path crosses with a young Padawan disillusioned with the Jedi Order. A potential alliance with her could become a key element in Maul's relentless pursuit of vengeance.

Creators and Canon Connection

The project was developed by longtime contributors to the Star Wars universe—Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz. Both have repeatedly worked on key storylines within the franchise, including animated series, ensuring Shadow Lord is closely tied to the existing canon.

Their involvement heightens fan expectations, especially considering the deep development of Darth Maul's character in previous Lucasfilm animated projects.

Voice Cast and Darth Maul's Return

Sam Witwer returns to voice Darth Maul, having previously voiced the character in several Star Wars projects. His participation ensures continuity and emotional depth for the character.

The main cast also includes Gideon Adlon (Devon Isara) and Wagner Moura (Brander Lawson). The extensive ensemble features Richard Ayoade (Tu-Boots), Dennis Haysbert (Master Ico-Dio-Daki), Chris Diamantopoulos (Luti Vario), Charlie Bushnell (Riley Lawson), Vanessa Marshall (Ruk Kast), David Collins (Spybot), AJ Locascio (Marrok), and Steve Blum (Icar).

Significance for the Franchise

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord continues the trend of in-depth exploration of the saga's complex and ambiguous characters. The series promises to focus not only on action and intrigue but also on the inner transformation of one of the franchise's most controversial antagonists.

The series premiere in spring 2026 is poised to be a key event for fans of animated Star Wars and the expansion of Darth Maul's canonical history.