Star Wars fans have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming animated projects announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan. In an exclusive interview with IGN, Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared exciting details about two highly anticipated series: Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord.
Portillo expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with Sam Witwer, the voice behind Darth Maul, on Maul: Shadow Lord. "Sam was deeply involved with the character's depth and lore, working closely with our head writer and supervising director," she told IGN. "He's been integral in developing Maul's character since its inception with Dave Filoni in animation. Sam gets to review scripts, watch rough cuts, and provide valuable input throughout the process."
This new series offers a fresh exploration into the life of Darth Maul, a character who has become an iconic figure in the Star Wars universe. Portillo playfully likened Maul to horror movie villains like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, saying, "Like you keep killing them, but they keep coming back. There is that threat that's always there, right? In Star Wars, Darth Maul has died multiple times, yet he continues to return. We're diving deep into his history and exploring new stories."
How Darth Maul Went From Supporting Villain to Star Wars Icon
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Portillo highlighted the significant advancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production techniques. "We've made major enhancements in animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, lighting concepts, and assets," she stated. The production of Maul: Shadow Lord was a turning point post-Covid, with Dave Filoni encouraging the team to push beyond their comfort zones. "He challenged us to create something that's an upgrade from what we're used to doing, from body mechanics and facial animation to updating our body rigs and enhancing all aspects of lighting," Portillo explained. Filoni's reaction to a recent episode was particularly gratifying: "Wow, you guys, you are actually creating cinema."
Portillo emphasized that these improvements represent a step up from previous projects like The Bad Batch and Tales of the Underworld. While Maul: Shadow Lord is set to release in 2026, the team is still actively working on it.
Tales of the Underworld will delve into the lives of Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each with three dedicated episodes, totaling six. Ventress' storyline will focus on her resurrection by Mother Talzin, as mentioned by Portillo. "Ventress meets a boy in the first short, leading to a narrative about two Jedi on the run and a developing relationship across the three shorts."
Ventress' storyline picks up from the Dark Disciple novel, confirming her resurrection as canon. Portillo highlighted the emotional connection between Ventress and Quinlan Vos, which resonated deeply with fans. "When Quinlan Vos professed his love, it was a powerful moment," she said. "Fans crave these love stories, especially given the Jedi's usual detachment. We've seen it with Obi-Wan and Satine, Padme and Anakin, and now Ventress and Quinlan Vos."
Ventress' journey also explores her struggle with her past. "After enduring much, characters often reconsider their paths," Portillo remarked. "Some choose exile, distancing themselves from their history, while others turn to the dark side. Ventress' story is about encountering someone who helps her become a better person."
Both Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord promise to enrich the Star Wars universe in exciting ways. Tales of the Underworld is slated to premiere on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while fans eagerly await the release date for Maul: Shadow Lord.
