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LOS ANGELES — For fans of “Star Wars,” the character of Darth Maul has always been a compelling figure, shrouded in mystery and ripe for further exploration.
Now, a new series is set to delve deeper into his story, providing a point of entry that requires no prior knowledge of the character. “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” a 10-episode animated series, promises to uncover new dimensions of the Sith lord’s complex persona.
Sam Witwer, who lends his voice to the enigmatic Sith, sheds light on where the series picks up with Maul’s journey. “In this chapter, we find Maul at a crossroads of introspection and personal growth,” Witwer elaborates. “For the first time, he’s reaching out, attempting to form relationships and reassess his path.”
This fresh take on Maul’s story aims to captivate audiences, whether they are die-hard fans or newcomers to the galaxy far, far away.
“This character is going through a time of reassessment and self-discovery and kind of, for the first time, reaching out to other people, trying to have relationships,” he said.
“But how do you do that when the person that taught you everything you know is the Emperor, who is the most evil character in all of ‘Star Wars’ history.”
Set during the Imperial Era, a few short years after Order 66, Maul tries to rebuild his criminal empire.
The show’s producer, Athena Yvette Portillo, offered a comparison to help describe the tone.
In an interview with On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio, she asked, “Have you seen ‘The Godfather?’ It’s kind of the same thing where it’s, like, it’s a crime family but you’re kind of, like, understanding a little bit about what the Corleones, like, Michael Corleone’s doing and find a little bit of empathy.”
“This is one of the best shows I’ve ever worked on, said director Brad Rau. “I think this is one of the best shows we’ve ever made, in part, no only the hard work we put into it, but because the narrative and the characters and the style and the chapter titles and the music, they all really go well together.
So, what if you’d like to go into the series blind?
Series writer Matt Michnovetz said they “wanted to create a roller coaster ride for new viewers who know nothing about ‘Star Wars’ and also veteran die-hard ‘Star Wars’ fans to be able to jump in and fall into this rabbit hole with all these twists and turns.”
Witwer added, “We do not require you to know who Darth Maul is to enjoy this show. You don’t even have to have seen any “Star Wars” movie to get what’s happening in our show. It’s very accessible.”
The first two episodes of “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord” premiere April 6 on Disney+.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney+ and this ABC station.
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