When MAUL – SHADOW LORD was first announced, one of the most frequent questions from fans was: What kind of story will this animated Star Wars series be?
Now we’re getting an answer — straight from executive producer Matt Michnovetz.
In a recent interview, Michnovetz explained how George Lucas’ original inspirations — the thrill-heavy serials that guided the creation of Star Wars itself — helped shape the tone and pacing of MAUL – SHADOW LORD.
“We wanted to create an action-packed thrill ride, something that had the rush of a roller coaster, so we do a lot of homages to the classic serials of the day, which gave George Lucas the inspiration for Star Wars. And we’ve got the perfect character to drive us through this in Maul.”
This insight offers an important piece of context: MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t just another animated project. It’s intentionally channeling the same pulse-quickening adventure energy that Lucas drew from when crafting the original Star Wars films.
Full comments and visuals from the project are available here
A Roller Coaster of Action
Michnovetz’ description of the series as a “thrill ride” isn’t just window dressing — it’s a direct creative objective. By emphasizing non-stop action and homage-style beats, the show aims to:
- mimic the exhilarating pacing of classic cinematic serials
- push past slower character drama to emphasize motion and stakes
- use Maul — a character literally forged in shadows and rage — as the emotional core that drives the momentum
This echoes what George Lucas himself has always championed: storytelling that feels alive — where every beat matters, and every sequence propels you forward.
Why Maul Was the Perfect Anchor
Matt Michnovetz didn’t choose Maul by accident.
Darth Maul has always represented the other edge of Star Wars — the dangerous, unpredictable, charismatic force that lives in the cracks of galactic conflict. For a series built around homages to traditional action storytelling, Maul serves multiple roles:
- he’s a visual icon (dual lightsaber! silhouette! menace!)
- he’s a dynamic presence — always on the move
- and unlike conventional heroes, his drive comes from survival, vengeance, ambition
In other words: a natural fit for a “roller coaster” approach to narrative.
Serial Homage Meets Modern Animation
The reference to old-school serials is a fascinating storytelling choice. Those serialized adventures — like the ones Lucas grew up watching — were all about cliffhangers, momentum, and pure kinetic energy.
By leaning into that heritage, MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t just another piece of Star Wars animation — it’s a celebration of the very cinematic DNA that created the franchise in the first place.
A Return to Lucas’ Original Spirit
If Michnovetz’ vision holds, MAUL – SHADOW LORD promises to stand apart from other animated entries in the Star Wars lineage — not by changing the language of the galaxy, but by returning it to the roots of what made the original Star Wars films feel like a ride audiences couldn’t get off.
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