Star Wars: Darth Maul — Shadow Lord on Disney+ Coming April 6, 2025

After nearly two decades of waiting, Star Wars fans are finally getting what they've wanted since The Phantom Menace: a deep dive into Darth Maul's mind, motivations, and relentless hunger for vengeance. On April 6, 2025, Disney+ will premiere Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord, a 10-episode animated series that picks up the complex threads of one of the franchise's most compelling villains. This isn't a cameo or a side quest. This is Maul's story on his terms.

The announcement came at Star Wars Celebration 2025, where fans erupted when Disney revealed the teaser trailer. For a character who was literally sliced in half in his debut film, only to be resurrected in The Clone Wars animated series and go on to become one of the most psychologically complex antagonists in Star Wars canon, getting his own series feels like long-overdue recognition. Created by Dave Filoni, the visionary behind The Clone Wars and now President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, Shadow Lord promises to explore the years between Maul's criminal empire during The Clone Wars and his appearance in Rebels, a period packed with political intrigue, betrayal, and obsession.

Here's what we know so far, what it means for Star Wars' future, and why this series might be the shot in the arm the franchise desperately needs.

The Official Announcement and Release Schedule

Disney made the Shadow Lord announcement official at Star Wars Celebration 2025, confirming what rumors had been circulating for months. The series will premiere with two episodes on April 6, then roll out in a two-episode-per-week cadence through May 6, 2025. That's a 10-episode season total, which gives writers enough room to tell a substantial story without the pacing issues that plague some streaming shows.

The timing is strategic. May 22 brings The Mandalorian and Grogu to theaters, and May 28, 2027 will see Star Wars: Starfighter hit cinemas. By anchoring the April release to Shadow Lord, Disney is essentially bookending the spring streaming window with Star Wars content, which keeps the franchise in the cultural conversation at a moment when it desperately needs momentum.

Two episodes on day one is the standard play for prestige streaming drama now. It gives viewers something substantial to sink their teeth into while generating enough intrigue to carry them into the weekly release schedule. Whether this pacing works for an animated series—where episode quality doesn't vary the way live-action production can—will be interesting to watch.

Ten episodes is considered optimal for serialized storytelling, balancing depth and pacing. Estimated data.

Who Created Shadow Lord: Dave Filoni's Vision

Dave Filoni didn't just create Shadow Lord. In many ways, he spent 15 years building toward this moment. As the visionary showrunner of The Clone Wars, Filoni took George Lucas's vision and deepened it in ways the live-action films never could. He introduced Ahsoka Tano, the character who would eventually get her own live-action series. He expanded the Maul storyline from a one-dimensional villain into a tragic, complex figure consumed by ambition and rage.

Filoni's Clone Wars episodes featuring Maul transformed the character from someone fans barely remembered into someone they actually cared about. The arc showed Maul building his criminal empire through cunning and brutality, then losing everything when Palpatine crushed him, leaving him bitter, broken, and desperately searching for a purpose beyond survival. By the time Maul appeared in Rebels, he was a ghost of his former self, obsessed with a single Jedi who had nothing to do with his suffering.

Now Filoni is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm itself, which means Shadow Lord represents his creative vision at the top level. This is what he wants to make. This is what he thinks Star Wars fans want to watch. That's significant because Filoni has a track record. The Mandalorian was a success. Ahsoka was anticipated because of how Filoni integrated her. The Clone Wars itself redefined what Star Wars storytelling could be in animated form.

Filoni's directing style emphasizes long takes, character moments, and genuine emotional stakes. He's not interested in constant action sequences. He wants you to sit with characters in their pain, their doubt, their obsession. Shadow Lord is likely to follow that pattern, which means fans expecting lightsaber action spectacles in every episode might be disappointed. But fans wanting genuine character exploration will be rewarded.

The Story: What Shadow Lord Is Actually About

The official logline from Lucasfilm reads: Maul is attempting to rebuild his criminal syndicate "on a planet untouched by the Empire." While his organization crumbles and enemies circle, "he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge."

Unpack that for a second. Maul isn't trying to become Sith again. He's not seeking redemption or power for power's sake. He's actively recruiting a Jedi—someone trained in the light side of the Force—to help him pursue revenge. This is the mindset of someone so consumed by vengeance that he's willing to turn a young, idealistic Force user toward darkness. It's the story of corruption, obsession, and how revenge poisons everyone who touches it.

The choice of setting on "a planet untouched by the Empire" is interesting. The Clone Wars happened. Order 66 happened. The Jedi Order was exterminated. The Empire now controls the galaxy. Maul is rebuilding not in the Imperial galactic center, but on some backwater world where Imperial reach hasn't fully extended. This suggests a story about operating in the shadows, rebuilding from nothing, and the vulnerability that comes with being hunted by both sides of the Force.

The mention of a "disillusioned" Padawan is crucial. This isn't a Jedi at peace with their order. This is someone who questions the Jedi Council, maybe lost faith after witnessing atrocities during the Clone Wars, or perhaps survived Order 66 and is drifting. Maul represents clarity: a purpose, a mission, an enemy to fight. To a disillusioned young Jedi, that might be appealing, even if it leads to the dark side.

This setup gives the writers room to explore deep philosophical questions. What does it mean to seek revenge? At what cost? When does pursuit of vengeance become its own form of slavery? These aren't simple good-versus-evil questions. They're the messy, complicated questions that made The Clone Wars so acclaimed.

Estimated data suggests 'Shadow Lord' primarily explores themes of revenge and corruption, with significant elements of survival and philosophical exploration.

Timeline Context: Where Shadow Lord Fits in Star Wars Canon

Understanding where Shadow Lord falls in the Star Wars timeline is essential to grasping why this story matters. The series takes place after the events of The Clone Wars but before Rebels. Let's establish the timeline:

The Clone Wars (22-19 BBY): Maul builds his criminal empire, specifically the Crimson Dawn syndicate, through cunning and Force abilities. He partners with Pre Vizsla and Mandalorian warriors. He rises, he falls spectacularly when Sidious crushes his organization to make room for the Empire. By the end of The Clone Wars, Maul is a broken man.

The Gap (19-15 BBY approximately): This is where Shadow Lord sits. The Empire is consolidating power. Maul is in hiding, attempting to rebuild from nothing. He's lost everything: his empire, his position, his connection to any larger movement. He's purely driven by hatred for Obi-Wan Kenobi and obsession with revenge. This is the darkest period of his life, where survival and rebuilding become all-consuming.

Rebels (5-4 BBY): Maul appears as a shadow of his former self, broken and obsessed, still hunting for Obi-Wan. By this point, he's been a ghost for so long that he barely resembles the powerful crime lord he once was.

Shadow Lord fills that crucial gap. It's the story of decline, not rise. It's a character study of someone who had everything, lost it all, and is desperately clawing to rebuild while the forces arrayed against him grow stronger. It's a tragedy waiting to happen, and knowing where Maul ends up in Rebels makes every victory in Shadow Lord feel bittersweet.

Dave Filoni as President of Lucasfilm: What This Means for Star Wars

Shortly before Shadow Lord's announcement, Dave Filoni was promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm. This is enormous. Filoni now has direct authority over the entire Star Wars creative vision. He's not just a showrunner. He's the person setting strategy for the entire franchise.

This promotion signals something crucial: Disney is pivoting toward what actually works. The sequel trilogy concluded. The New Republic films are in development hell. The creative direction has been chaotic and divisive. By putting Filoni in charge, Disney is saying, "The person who understands Lucas's vision, who respects Star Wars lore, and who can make stories fans actually want to watch, you're now running this."

Filoni's track record speaks for itself. The Clone Wars is considered the best Star Wars project post-Lucas. The Mandalorian was a massive success. Ahsoka was anticipated because Filoni had established her character properly. Filoni understands that Star Wars fans respond to respect for canon, consistent character development, and genuine emotional stakes. He's not interested in subverting expectations just to be provocative. He's interested in telling good stories.

Shadow Lord might be the first major project under Filoni's presidency, which means it's a statement of intent. If Shadow Lord is excellent, it gives credibility to his leadership. If it's mediocre, questions will surface. Either way, this series is a proving ground for what Filoni-led Star Wars looks like going forward.

The 10-Episode Structure: How Many Episodes Is Enough?

Ten episodes is the sweet spot for serialized storytelling. It's not a limited series (which tops out at 6-8 episodes) but not a sprawling season (which can reach 13-16 episodes). Ten episodes gives you roughly 40-50 minutes of story per episode, or 400-500 total minutes. That's enough time to:

• Establish the world and the stakes
• Develop the new Padawan character
• Build relationships and betrayals
• Include quieter character moments alongside action
• Deliver a satisfying climax
• Leave room for a second season if warranted

For comparison, The Mandalorian's first season had 8 episodes and felt rushed in places. The Book of Boba Fett's 7 episodes felt thin. Andor's 12 episodes gave space for genuine political intrigue and slow-burn storytelling. Ten hits the right balance for a character study like Shadow Lord.

The two-episodes-per-week release strategy means the story unfolds over five weeks. That's long enough to build anticipation and discussion but short enough that momentum doesn't disappear. Fans can catch up on Disney+ without feeling overwhelmed, and water cooler conversations will last through May.

The 'Shadow Lord' series will release two episodes per week from April 6 to May 4, 2025, totaling 10 episodes. This consistent release schedule is designed to maintain viewer engagement.

The Sith Lord Angle: Is Maul Still Pursuing Dark Side Power?

One of the most interesting questions Shadow Lord raises is whether Maul is trying to become a true Sith again or if he's purely focused on revenge. By the time of Shadow Lord, he's not officially a Sith. He was Palpatine's apprentice, but after his defeat, he was cast aside. He's a Force user, certainly, but is he pursuing the Sith philosophy, or has he transcended that framework entirely?

The fact that he's recruiting a disillusioned Jedi suggests he's moved beyond traditional Sith teachings. The Sith usually corrupt Jedi by offering power or revealing dark secrets. But Maul in Shadow Lord seems to be offering something else: purpose. Direction. A shared enemy. This is manipulation, certainly, but it's more psychological than the typical Sith seduction.

It also raises questions about the nature of the dark side itself. Is the dark side about ideology, or is it about emotional corruption? Can you use the dark side purely as a tool for revenge without being consumed by it? Maul is the perfect character to explore these questions because he's been operating in that gray area since his resurrection. He's not trying to rebuild the Sith. He's trying to rebuild himself, whatever that means.

The New Padawan Character: Why This Matters

The inclusion of a disillusioned Jedi Padawan as a central character is brilliant storytelling. This character could be anyone. A survivor of Order 66 who's been hiding. A Padawan who fled the Temple before the purge. A young Force user trained by a rogue Jedi. Someone whose faith in the light side has been shattered by the horrors of the Clone Wars or the Imperial crackdown.

To this character, Maul represents something seductive: clarity. The Jedi Council was bureaucratic, removed from the chaos of the galaxy, and ultimately failed to protect the Force users under its care. Maul is present, direct, and offers a clear mission: rebuild, survive, and pursue revenge against those who wronged him. For a young person lost in darkness, that can be intoxicating.

The tragic element is that Maul probably genuinely believes he's offering this Padawan something better. He's not lying when he says they share enemies. The Empire hunts both of them. But Maul is also using this Padawan as a tool. He wants an apprentice. He wants power. The Padawan's path to damnation isn't through obvious temptation. It's through the slow realization that they've become complicit in something darker than they ever imagined.

This dynamic could mirror Anakin's fall in the prequels, but inverted. Instead of a powerful Jedi being corrupted by a charismatic older figure, we're watching a vulnerable, disillusioned Padawan being recruited into a darker purpose. The emotional core will be in watching this character's slow descent and perhaps their resistance to it, or their acceptance of it.

Animation Quality and Visual Style: What to Expect

The Clone Wars and Rebels established the animation style for Maul-focused Star Wars stories. Filoni prefers character animation that emphasizes facial expressions and body language over constant motion. Scenes aren't busy just for the sake of it. There are long stretches where characters are simply talking, and the animation conveys emotion through subtle shifts in posture or a glance.

Shadow Lord will likely follow this pattern. You can expect:

• Character-focused scenes in dingy hideouts and gray worlds
• Maul's Dathomirian features prominently displayed (horns, facial tattoos, physicality)
• The Padawan character's internal conflict conveyed through animation nuance
• Lightsaber sequences that are shorter but more meaningful than casual action
• Alien worlds and criminal underworld aesthetics (think Mos Eisley, but darker)
• Practical lighting and shadow work to emphasize mood

The animation budget for Star Wars on Disney+ has improved with each project. Andor's visual quality proved Disney is willing to invest heavily in Star Wars. Shadow Lord will benefit from that precedent. Don't expect photorealistic CGI like the live-action shows, but expect the animation to feel cinematic and detailed.

The timeline shows Darth Maul's decline in influence from 'The Clone Wars' through 'Rebels', with 'Shadow Lord' capturing the lowest point of his power. Estimated data based on narrative context.

Lucasfilm's Strategy: Why Shadow Lord, Why Now

Since completing the sequel trilogy in 2019, Lucasfilm has struggled with strategic direction. The sequel trilogy was divisive. The standalone films (Rogue One and Solo) performed inconsistently. Multiple movies have been announced and then quietly shelved. Spin-off series have been cancelled. The franchise needed clarity.

Filoni's appointment and Shadow Lord's announcement represent a clear strategic pivot: focus on existing, beloved characters and use animation to expand their stories. Animation is cheaper to produce than live-action, allows for more creative freedom, and doesn't get crushed by fan backlash the way live-action does. Maul is a beloved character with years of canon to draw from. An animated series set in the Clone Wars era appeals to the core fan base without requiring massive movie budgets.

Moreover, Shadow Lord comes before The Mandalorian and Grogu movie and Starfighter. The three projects together form a cohesive picture of where Star Wars is heading: character-driven stories, respect for canon, and trust in visionary creatives. Filoni gets it. Favreau gets it. The franchise is positioning itself for long-term success rather than chasing quarterly earnings.

For streaming, this makes sense too. Disney+ needs consistent content to maintain subscription value. A Maul series in April, The Mandalorian movie in May, and development on other projects keeps the Star Wars pipeline flowing. It's the opposite of the feast-or-famine approach that characterized Disney+ during the pandemic.

Fan Expectations vs. Reality: What Might Actually Happen

Fans have been speculating about Shadow Lord since rumors surfaced months ago. Expectations include:

• A Maul redemption arc (unlikely, but fans always hope)
• Epic lightsaber battles (possible, but probably restrained)
• Returns from other Clone Wars characters like Savage Opress or Pre Vizsla (theoretically possible but not confirmed)
• Deep dives into Maul's psychology and trauma (almost certainly)
• A cliffhanger that ties into Rebels or future projects (probable)
• Answers about Maul's survival between The Clone Wars and Rebels (very likely, this is the whole point)

What probably won't happen:

• A complete tonal shift where Maul becomes a good guy
• Lighthearted comedic moments (this will be dark and serious)
• Detailed exploration of the Nightsisters (though Maul's Dathomirian heritage might be touched on)
• Multiple planets and constant traveling (likely one primary setting)
• Extended crossovers with other Star Wars shows (this is Maul's story)

The gap between fan expectations and reality is where disappointment happens. Shadow Lord won't be what each individual fan imagines. But if Filoni executes the character study properly, it will be better than most fan theories because it'll be authentic to Maul's character.

The Broader Star Wars Streaming Landscape

Shadow Lord arrives in a Star Wars streaming context that's more complex now than ever. On Disney+ alone, fans can watch The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Andor, The Acolyte, and now Shadow Lord. Each takes a different approach: space Western, crime drama, spiritual meditation, legacy continuation, political thriller, mystery horror, and psychological character study respectively.

This variety is actually healthy for the franchise. It shows that Star Wars isn't a single tone or genre. It's a universe large enough for multiple storytelling approaches. Some shows will appeal to hardcore fans. Others will pull in general audiences. Shadow Lord, with its focus on a single character's descent, sits somewhere in the middle: accessible to casual viewers but deeply rewarding for those who know Maul's history.

The competition among Star Wars shows on the same platform is real, though. If Andor proved that Star Wars could do prestige television, Shadow Lord will prove that animation can compete with live-action in terms of critical success. Quality matters now more than the medium.

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord releases two episodes weekly, concluding with a total of 10 episodes by May 6, 2025.

Release Strategy and Cultural Impact

April 6, 2025 is strategically chosen. Spring is when audiences are looking for new streaming content. April is far enough into the year that holiday delays are resolved, but early enough that the summer blockbuster season hasn't fully taken over. The two-episode premiere followed by weekly releases maximizes discussion and engagement.

Cultural impact will depend entirely on quality. If Shadow Lord is excellent, it becomes a flagship series that people recommend. If it's mediocre, it disappears into the background. But the casting of Maul as the lead, the creative team behind it, and the narrative promise all suggest Lucasfilm is confident in what they have.

For Star Wars as a brand, Shadow Lord is a statement: we know what works, we're investing in it, and we trust our creators. That kind of confidence resonates with audiences.

What Critics Might Watch For

When the first episodes drop, critics will evaluate Shadow Lord on several fronts:

Narrative coherence: Does the story make sense? Are the character motivations clear? Does the series justify its existence or does it feel like a cash grab?

Animation quality: Do the visuals hold up to modern standards? Are the action sequences well-choreographed? Does the animation convey emotion effectively?

Character development: Does Maul feel like a continuation of the character from The Clone Wars? Is the Padawan's journey compelling? Do side characters matter?

Thematic depth: Does the series explore serious questions about revenge, redemption, obsession, and corruption? Or is it surface-level plotting?

Fan service: Does it respect existing canon while adding new elements? Does it earn its callbacks and references?

Pacing: Do the 10 episodes feel like a complete story, or does it drag? Does the two-per-week release work or feel artificial?

Filoni understands these criteria. He's faced criticism before (particularly around Rebels' handling of certain characters) and learned from it. Shadow Lord will likely be crafted to hit on most of these fronts.

Potential Spinoffs and Future Projects

If Shadow Lord succeeds, it opens doors. Lucasfilm could greenlight spin-offs for other Clone Wars characters. Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress, General Grievous, even minor characters have stories to tell. Animation allows exploration of these characters without the budget constraints of live-action films.

There's also the question of whether Shadow Lord leads into future Rebels content. Could there be a Rebels reboot? Could the Padawan from Shadow Lord appear in other projects? Could Maul's story continue beyond these 10 episodes?

Filoni's ascension to President means he has the authority to greenlight these projects. Success breeds opportunity. If Shadow Lord becomes essential Star Wars viewing, expect announcements within a year or two about follow-ups.

The Philosophical Core: What Shadow Lord Is Really Exploring

Beyond plot and character arcs, Shadow Lord is exploring questions about the nature of evil. Is Maul evil because of the Force he uses, or because of choices he made? Is he a villain or a victim of circumstances? Can someone consumed by vengeance ever find peace?

Maul is the perfect character to explore these questions because he exists in moral ambiguity. He's not a good person. He's willing to use a young Jedi as a tool. He's driven by hatred and desire for revenge. But he also has legitimate grievances. Palpatine destroyed his empire. Kenobi defeated him. The Jedi Order didn't help him. The galaxy itself has been cruel to him.

The Padawan character will serve as the moral lens. Through their eyes, audiences will decide whether Maul is a monster exploiting youth, a visionary offering clarity in darkness, or something more complex: a man offering genuine help to someone in need, but for entirely selfish reasons.

That's sophisticated storytelling. That's what separates Shadow Lord from basic hero-versus-villain narratives. And that's why fans who appreciate The Clone Wars' approach to character writing should be optimistic.

Conclusion: April 6 Can't Come Soon Enough

Darth Maul's standalone series represents everything Disney+ Star Wars should be: character-driven, creatively ambitious, respectful of canon, and willing to take artistic risks. It's created by someone who understands Star Wars at the deepest level and now has the authority to execute his vision. It features one of the franchise's most compelling characters in a period of his life that hasn't been fully explored. It signals that Lucasfilm is willing to trust established creatives and invest in animated storytelling.

Will Shadow Lord be perfect? Probably not. Will it answer every fan theory and expectation? Definitely not. But if it's even half as good as The Clone Wars at its best, it will stand as essential Star Wars viewing.

April 6, 2025 marks a moment where Star Wars gets to reclaim what it does best: telling complex character stories in a universe rich with mythology and meaning. Maul is a character worth returning to, and Filoni is the creator to do it. The anticipation is justified. The optimism is warranted.

Start your rewatches now. Brush up on Clone Wars canon. Prepare your theories. In April, Shadow Lord arrives, and Darth Maul gets his due.

FAQ

What is Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord?

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord is a 10-episode animated series premiering on Disney+ on April 6, 2025, focusing on Darth Maul's attempt to rebuild his criminal empire on a remote planet. The series, created by Dave Filoni, is set after the events of The Clone Wars but before Maul's appearance in Rebels, filling a significant gap in the character's canonical timeline and exploring his obsession with revenge.

When does Shadow Lord premiere and how long is the series?

The series premieres with two episodes on April 6, 2025, followed by two episodes each week through May 6, 2025. The total season consists of 10 episodes, with a runtime typically ranging from 40 to 50 minutes per episode, making it a substantial narrative experience comparable in scope to a mini-series or short film.

Who created Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord?

Dave Filoni, the acclaimed showrunner of The Clone Wars and recently appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, created and oversaw Shadow Lord. Filoni's vision has consistently earned critical praise for respecting Star Wars lore while bringing emotional depth and complexity to character development.

Where does Shadow Lord fit in Star Wars canon and timeline?

Shadow Lord is set between The Clone Wars (where Maul's criminal empire is built and destroyed) and Rebels (where he appears as a broken shell obsessed with Obi-Wan Kenobi). This gap represents Maul's attempt to rebuild from absolute ruins while the Empire consolidates power, making it a period of decline and obsession rather than triumph.

Who is the disillusioned Jedi Padawan character in Shadow Lord?

While the specific identity hasn't been fully revealed, the Padawan is described as someone who has lost faith in the Jedi Order, possibly through surviving Order 66, witnessing Clone Wars atrocities, or losing faith in Jedi ideology. This character becomes a focal point for Maul's influence and manipulation, serving as the emotional anchor for exploring corruption and recruitment into darkness.

What does Shadow Lord mean for Star Wars' future under Dave Filoni?

Filoni's appointment as President of Lucasfilm and Shadow Lord's prominence signal that Lucasfilm is pivoting toward character-driven storytelling, respect for established canon, and trust in visionary creatives. Shadow Lord serves as a statement of intent about what Filoni-led Star Wars will prioritize: depth over spectacle, character over plot, and fan respect over subversion for subversion's sake.

Will Shadow Lord connect to other Star Wars shows like Rebels or The Mandalorian?

While Shadow Lord is Maul's standalone story, its placement in canon suggests it will connect to Rebels chronologically and thematically. The series is designed to answer questions about how Maul survived and rebuilt between The Clone Wars and Rebels. Future crossovers with other shows are possible but unconfirmed.

Is this Maul's redemption story?

No. While Maul may gain complexity and audience sympathy, the series is framed as an exploration of someone consumed by vengeance and obsession. The character will likely deepen emotionally, but the core narrative is about Maul rebuilding his power and pursuing revenge, not seeking redemption or light-side enlightenment.

How much of Shadow Lord involves lightsaber combat?

Based on Filoni's creative style, lightsaber sequences will likely be infrequent but meaningful rather than constant action. The series prioritizes character moments, psychological development, and dialogue-driven scenes. Combat will occur, but the emotional weight of confrontation will matter more than the frequency of action.

Should I rewatch The Clone Wars before Shadow Lord premieres?

Yes. Rewatching the Maul arc in The Clone Wars (particularly seasons 4-5 focusing on his criminal empire) and his appearance in Rebels (season 2-3) will provide crucial context for understanding Shadow Lord's emotional stakes and narrative callbacks. The series assumes familiarity with Maul's previous history and will reward longtime fans with deeper appreciation.

Related Star Wars Content to Explore Before April 6

If Shadow Lord has peaked your interest, these resources will deepen your appreciation:

• The Clone Wars seasons 4-5: The Maul-focused episodes that establish his criminal empire and show his downfall
• Rebels seasons 2-3: Maul's haunted, obsessed appearance that sets up questions Shadow Lord will answer
• Ashoka Trilogy by E. K. Johnston: Novel exploring Force users after Order 66, contextualizing the Padawan experience
• Official Star Wars timeline resources: Understanding the 19-15 BBY gap that Shadow Lord fills chronologically

These materials aren't required viewing, but they transform Shadow Lord from a standalone story into a culmination of years of character development.

Key Takeaways

• Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord premieres April 6, 2025 on Disney+ with two episodes, then releases two episodes weekly through May
• Dave Filoni, now President of Lucasfilm, created Shadow Lord to explore Maul's psychological descent and obsession with revenge
• The series fills the narrative gap between The Clone Wars (where Maul's empire falls) and Rebels (where he appears broken and obsessed)
• Maul recruits a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan to help rebuild his criminal syndicate, exploring corruption and the allure of darkness
• Shadow Lord represents Lucasfilm's strategic pivot toward character-driven animated storytelling and respecting established canon

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