- Primary Subject: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (Season 1)
- Key Update: Lucasfilm has released the first trailer for the animated series, confirming an April 6, 2026, premiere date on Disney+.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 23, 2026
- Quick Answer: The series follows Maul rebuilding his criminal empire post-Clone Wars, featuring Devon Izara, a Twi’lek apprentice inspired by George Lucas’ original Episode VII plans.
George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode VII is finally taking shape in the upcoming animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.
Before selling his production company Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, Lucas was developing a new Star Wars movie that was eventually stalled, ultimately leading to the creation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Fortunately, some elements of the shelved Episode VII have survived, and they will now be seen in Maul – Shadow Lord.
How Does Maul: Shadow Lord Connect to George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode VII?
Lucasfilm and Disney+ have finally dropped the first trailer for Maul – Shadow Lord, showing Maul seizing power in the early days of the Empire.
Aside from Maul himself, the teaser also introduces a Twi’lek named Devon Izara. As Maul is seen holding a tea ceremony with Devon and seemingly teaching her something, it appears she is being positioned as his protégé.
This storyline is part of George Lucas’ original Episode VII plan, in which Maul survived his fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi and returned with a female Twi’lek apprentice.
However, in the original narrative, the Twi’lek apprentice was named Darth Talon. With the character now changed to Devon, it appears to be Disney’s reinterpretation of the original concept for the new Star Wars canon.
What is the Difference Between Devon Izara and Darth Talon?
Devon Izara and Darth Talon have clear differences. Lucas originally intended Talon to be the sequel trilogy’s main antagonist, similar to how Darth Vader served as a steadfast Sith apprentice.
Devon, on the other hand, appears conflicted about joining the dark side of the Force and may follow a path similar to Ezra Bridger, who Maul tries to influence rather than fully control.
But the two characters also share some similarities. Both are Twi’leks and both serve as Maul’s protégés. They are also connected to their master’s rule over the criminal underworld.
Overall, Devon seems more approachable and kinder than Talon, suggesting her story may unfold in a very different direction than originally expected.
What is Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord About?
Maul – Shadow Lord follows Darth Maul during the early days of the Galactic Empire.
Set after the fall of the Republic, Maul is seen working in secret to rebuild his power following the rise of Emperor Palpatine.
But instead of serving the Sith directly, he comes out as a crime lord, expanding his control over the galactic underworld through syndicates like Crimson Dawn.
The animated series explores Maul’s obsession with power, survival, and revenge, as well as his attempts to influence and train a new protégé, Devon Izara, who is conflicted about joining the dark side.
From a fallen Sith, fans will see Maul become a shadow ruler, bridging the gaps between The Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith, and Star Wars Rebels, while reworking Lucas’ original sequel trilogy ideas into the current Star Wars canon when Maul – Shadow Lord hits Disney+ on April 6, 2026.
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