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Sam Witwer leads an all-star cast as Maul: Shadow Lord arrives on Disney+ today. The new Star Wars animated series brings together Gideon Adlon, Wagner Moura, and Richard Ayoade in a dark story set early in the Empire. This is the first time Maul has headlined his own show, promising fans answers about his transformation.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: April 6, 2026, with two-episode premiere on Disney+ streaming right now
- Cast Size: Over 10 named characters, including Wagner Moura as award-winning newcomer to Star Wars
- Episode Structure: 10 total episodes releasing weekly through May 4 (Star Wars Day)
- Season 2 Status: Already renewed before the premiere, ensuring Maul’s story continues
Sam Witwer Returns with 14 Years of Maul Experience
Sam Witwer brings unmatched expertise to the title role, having voiced Maul for over a decade. His previous work spans The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Now, in Shadow Lord, Witwer explores a new chapter where Maul rebuilds his criminal syndicate on planet Janix.
Creator Dave Filoni and head writer Matt Michnovetz crafted a story set just years after Order 66, when the galaxy faces total Imperial control. Witwer notes that this version of Maul is reeling from losses, grieving Savage Opress and Mother Talzin. The character must adapt to a world transformed by the Empire, revealing crucial details about his eventual fate.
Maul: Shadow Lord cast announced with Sam Witwer leading new Star Wars series
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Breakout Cast Includes Oscar Nominee Wagner Moura
Gideon Adlon plays Devon Izara, a young Jedi Padawan forced into hiding after Order 66. She carries her blue lightsaber while wrestling with teenage angst in a world where the Jedi are hunted. Adlon brings emotional depth, making Devon relatable despite her Jedi training.
Recent Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Wagner Moura joins as Brander Lawson, a police detective on Janix. Richard Ayoade voices Two-Boots, playing Lawson’s droid partner in this gritty underworld story. The chemistry between these characters will drive the series’ central conflicts.
Complete Cast and Production Details
| Role | Actor |
| Maul | Sam Witwer |
| Devon Izara | Gideon Adlon |
| Brander Lawson | Wagner Moura |
| Master Eeko-Dio Daki | Dennis Haysbert |
| Two-Boots | Richard Ayoade |
| Rook Kast | Vanessa Marshall |
| Looti Vario | Chris Diamantopoulos |
| Rylee Lawson | Charlie Bushnell |
Lucasfilm Animation produced the series with Athena Yvette Portillo overseeing and Brad Rau as supervising director. The creative team praised the entire cast for bringing authenticity to Maul’s world. According to Rau, the cast members are exceptional performers who elevated every scene.
“We have a dream cast. I can’t imagine any of these characters being played by anybody else. They’re incredible and it starts at the top with Sam Witwer.”
Brad Rau, Supervising Director
Why This Dark Tale Works as Maul’s First Leading Series
Previous Star Wars shows positioned Maul as a dangerous antagonist, but Shadow Lord flips the narrative. Fans now follow his perspective as he navigates loss, power hunger, and survival in a hostile galaxy. Matt Michnovetz described Maul as their “Jedi Master,” praising Witwer’s knowledge of Star Wars lore and character authenticity.
The relationship between Maul and Devon forms the emotional core of the series. Witwer suggests the story reveals how Maul transforms from this point into the version fans meet in Rebels. Devon’s journey as a hunted Jedi mirrors Maul’s desperation, creating a dynamic between villain and hero that defies expectations.
Where Will Star Wars Animation Go From Here?
Maul: Shadow Lord’s early season two renewal signals confidence in the series from Lucasfilm and Disney. The 10-episode first season concludes May 4, timed to Star Wars Day‘ recognizable branding. With answers promised about Maul’s evolution and Devon’s fate uncertain, what happens next in the underworld of Janix?
Watch the Official Trailer
Sources
- StarWars.com – Official cast interviews and series details published March 30, 2026
- The Walt Disney Company – Producer and cast teasers released April 6, 2026 at launch
- IMDb and Wikipedia – Comprehensive episode and production information
