Lucasfilm has confirmed that Sean Kiner and Deana Kiner are composing the score for Maul – Shadow Lord, the upcoming animated Star Wars series centered on Darth Maul.
The announcement immediately signals a familiar musical direction for longtime fans of Star Wars animation, as the Kiners have been responsible for much of the franchise’s modern animated soundscape.
A familiar musical signature for Star Wars animation
Sean and Deana Kiner’s previous work spans nearly every major animated Star Wars project of the past decade. Their credits include:
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Star Wars Rebels
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch
- Ahsoka
Across those series, the Kiners developed a musical identity that blends orchestral Star Wars tradition with darker, more modern textures — an approach that feels particularly well-suited to a Maul-centered story.
Why the score matters for a Maul series
Darth Maul has always been a character defined as much by mood as by action. From his silent menace in The Phantom Menace to his philosophical edge in Rebels, Maul’s presence relies heavily on atmosphere.
Music plays a crucial role in that.
The Kiners’ work has consistently leaned into character-driven themes rather than bombastic spectacle. Their ability to support morally complex characters — especially in animation — makes them a natural fit for a series expected to explore Maul’s criminal empire, inner conflict, and long-term survival after the fall of the Sith.
Continuity without nostalgia overload
One of the strengths of modern Star Wars animation has been its musical continuity. While John Williams’ influence remains foundational, the Kiners have helped carve out a parallel identity for television storytelling — one that feels cohesive across multiple eras without leaning too heavily on legacy motifs.
Bringing them onto Maul – Shadow Lord suggests Lucasfilm wants the series to feel connected to The Clone Wars and Rebels, while still standing on its own tonally.
What we know — and what we don’t
At this stage, Lucasfilm has not revealed specific story details, episode count, or a release window for Maul – Shadow Lord. However, confirming the composers this early signals that the series is moving steadily through production.
Given the Kiners’ track record, the score is likely to emphasize tension, restraint, and psychological weight rather than pure action — a tone that aligns closely with Maul’s evolution as a character.
For fans of Star Wars animation, this announcement doesn’t just confirm a familiar name. It reinforces the idea that Maul – Shadow Lord is being treated as a serious, character-driven addition to the canon — not just a spin-off.
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