6 Exciting Details Uncovered in the ‘Maul—Shadow Lord’ Trailer
The highly anticipated animated series, Maul—Shadow Lord, is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 6. This series dives deep into the story of the former Sith Lord, Darth Maul, as he embarks on a journey to establish his criminal empire while evading the Emperor’s watchful gaze. The newly released trailer showcases an array of exciting details about the series. Below are six noteworthy elements that stand out.
1. A New Planet: Janix
Though the trailer may evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of Coruscant’s lower levels, Maul—Shadow Lord unfolds on an original planet named Janix. The capital city of Janix is uniquely situated within a massive crater, making it a hidden refuge for Maul far from the prying eyes of Palpatine. This choice of location reflects Maul’s cunning, as he learned the hard way after his conflict with the Emperor and his brother, Savage, during the Clone Wars.
2. Introduction of TK Troopers
The series features Stormtroopers known as TK Troopers. Inspired by early Ralph McQuarrie designs, these troopers were first introduced in The Bad Batch. They represent the Empire’s transition away from a clone army, formally initiated around 18 BBY with the Imperial Defense Recruitment Bill. Shadow Lord showcases their early formation in the expansive timeline of the Star Wars universe.
3. Maul’s Modified Lightsaber
In the trailer, Maul’s iconic lightsaber appears with a fascinating twist. It’s now a dual-bladed saber, incorporating parts from his original weapon last seen in The Phantom Menace and The Clone Wars. This new design has ties to Asajj Ventress, as part of the hilt mirrors the style from her weapon featured in the Dark Disciple novel. This connection adds depth to Maul’s weaponry and potential storylines.
4. Introducing Devon Izara
A pivotal character in the trailer is a young Twi’lek Jedi named Devon Izara, voiced by Gideon Adlon. She is shown alongside her master, Eeko-Dio-Daki. As they flee from Imperial forces, Devon exhibits classic Jedi traits. However, the narrative suggests she may face a moral dilemma, possibly aligning with Maul. This dynamic opens the door for intriguing character development, drawing connections to the popular Star Wars character, Darth Talon.
5. Rook Kast Makes an Appearance
The trailer also hints at the return of Rook Kast, a character from the Star Wars comic miniseries Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir. Voiced by Vanessa Marshall, Kast is depicted wearing Mandalorian armor and utilizing a wrist-mounted flamer. Her involvement in Maul’s story reinforces connections to his past and expands on the animated legacy of the franchise.
6. The Threat of the Imperial Inquisitorius
Maul’s rise does not go unchallenged, as the Imperial Inquisitorius is dispatched to track him down. Among the characters introduced are two known Inquisitors: the Eleventh Brother and Marrok. The latter originally appeared in the series Ahsoka. Their inclusion signifies the persistent danger that Maul faces from his former master, Palpatine.
With so many connections to the wider Star Wars lore, Maul—Shadow Lord promises to be an engaging addition to the franchise. Fans can look forward to discovering how these elements intertwine when the series debuts on Disney+.
