As Maul – Shadow Lord takes shape, new comments from executive producer Matt Michnovetz offer a clearer picture of the political and psychological landscape the series will explore. According to Michnovetz, the galaxy at this point in the timeline is not yet fully crushed by the Empire — but it’s well on its way. The Empire is expanding, quietly and relentlessly Rather than depicting a galaxy already living in open rebellion, Maul – Shadow Lord is set during a period of consolidation. The Empire is spreading outward from the core worlds, tightening its grip system by system. Many in the galaxy don’t yet fully understand what the Empire represents. Some see it as stability. Others view it as distant authority. That uncertainty is part of the tension the series aims to explore. Power is growing — but not always visibly. The Inquisitorius operates in the shadows A major element of…
Star Wars animation
Sean Kiner and Deana Kiner Confirmed as Composers for Maul – Shadow Lord
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: 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…
How George Lucas’ Original Vision Influenced MAUL – SHADOW LORD
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…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD Used Hand-Painted Glass Art to Create the City of Janix
One of the most striking elements in MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t a lightsaber duel or a Sith monologue — it’s the city of Janix itself. According to new behind-the-scenes information, the city was created using a surprisingly old-school technique:artists physically painted the city on pieces of glass and canvas, then used those paintings as background elements in the series. Yes — actual paint. Actual glass. In 2026. A Practical Technique in a Digital Star Wars Series Rather than building Janix entirely in 3D, the art team chose to lean on a method with deep roots in film history. The process involved: The result is a city that feels layered, distant, and slightly surreal — perfect for a story centered on Maul’s shadowy rise. Why Glass Paintings Still Matter This technique isn’t new. It’s a classic filmmaking trick used long before CGI became dominant — and Star Wars itself has…
How Many Seasons and Years Will Maul: Shadow Lord Run For?
When Maul: Shadow Lord was announced, the excitement wasn’t just about seeing Darth Maul return to the spotlight—it was about how Lucasfilm plans to tell his story this time. With the animated series set to debut on Disney+ in 2026, one question keeps surfacing among fans who’ve followed Star Wars animation closely: how long will this show actually last on Disney+? Not in terms of hype cycles or wishful thinking, but in the practical, story-driven sense that determines whether a series feels complete or overstays its welcome. Looking at how Lucasfilm has handled recent animated projects, Maul’s established place in canon, and the realities of modern streaming production, there’s a surprisingly clear answer hiding in plain sight. Will it be a tight, prestige-style run?A longer, Clone Wars–style epic?Or something deliberately limited? Let’s break this down properly—based on how Lucasfilm actually treats animated Star Wars, not wishful thinking or hype cycles….
A Sweet Slice of the Galaxy: New Star Wars Minis Holiday Short Arrives
This Christmas season, Star Wars isn’t just about big blockbusters and sprawling sagas — it’s also about playful creativity and holiday cheer. Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic have quietly released a stylized short as part of the Star Wars Minis series, offering fans a whimsical twist on a classic scene from the original saga. Why This Matters Now The holidays are a time for traditions, nostalgia, and rediscovery — and this Star Wars short taps into all three. Rather than launching another high-stakes story or trailer, Lucasfilm has delivered something lighter: a festive reinterpretation of the iconic Death Star trench run, rebuilt entirely out of gingerbread cookies and holiday spirit. It’s a reminder that Star Wars can connect with audiences of all ages in creative, unexpected ways — not just through sprawling epics, but through bite-sized, joyful moments that celebrate the franchise’s place in pop culture. What Was Released…