Star Wars fans have much to look forward to, as hinted by the buzz at Star Wars Celebration Japan. In an exclusive interview with IGN, Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared exciting details about two upcoming animated series: the newly announced Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord.

Portillo expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Sam Witwer, the long-time voice actor for Darth Maul, on Maul: Shadow Lord. "Sam was deeply involved in developing the character's depth and lore, working alongside our head writer and supervising director," she told IGN. "He has been instrumental in shaping Maul's character since his inception in animation with Dave Filoni, providing input on scripts, watching rough cuts, and contributing to the overall vision."

This series promises a deeper exploration of Darth Maul, a character who has evolved from a supporting villain to a Star Wars icon. Portillo humorously compared Maul to horror movie icons like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, noting, "Like you keep killing them, but they keep coming back. There is that constant threat. It's Star Wars, after all. Maul has died multiple times, yet he continues to return. We're diving into his history and exploring these stories."

How Darth Maul Went From Supporting Villain to Star Wars Icon

View 14 ImagesPortillo emphasized the significant upgrades in Lucasfilm Animation's production process, highlighting improvements in animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, lighting concepts, and assets. "When Filoni started the Maul series after Covid, he challenged the team to push beyond their comfort zones," she explained. "He encouraged us to create something superior to what we had done before, focusing on enhanced body mechanics, facial animation, updated body rigs, and advanced lighting. After watching one of our episodes, Filoni remarked, 'Wow, you guys are actually creating cinema.' He was immensely proud of what Lucasfilm Animation has achieved with this show."

Portillo confirmed that Maul: Shadow Lord represents a significant upgrade from previous projects, including The Bad Batch and Tales of the Underworld, which was recently completed. Maul: Shadow Lord is set to release in 2026, while ongoing work continues.

Tales of the Underworld will explore the lives of Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, with each character receiving three episodes, totaling six. Ventress' episodes will focus on her resurrection by Mother Talzin and her subsequent journey with a young boy, evolving into a tale of two Jedi on the run and a developing relationship.

Ventress' journey in Tales of the Underworld will also delve into her struggle with her past, exploring themes of redemption and personal growth. "Sometimes, after enduring much, individuals reconsider their path," Portillo noted. "Some choose exile, distancing themselves from their past, while others embrace the dark side. Ventress' story will highlight how certain people enter your life to help you become a better person."

Both Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord promise to enrich the Star Wars universe in unique ways. Tales of the Underworld is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while fans eagerly await further details on the release of Maul: Shadow Lord.