TV Review: ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’

Arriving on Disney+ on April 6 with the first two episodes (and six more to follow on a mostly weekly schedule) is ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’, the latest step in Dave Filoni’s animated adventures set in the galaxy far, far away.

​Arriving on Disney+ on April 6 with the first two episodes (and six more to follow on a mostly weekly schedule) is ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’, the latest step in Dave Filoni’s animated adventures set in the galaxy far, far away.   

Arriving on Disney+ on April 6 with the first two episodes (and six more to follow on a mostly weekly schedule) is ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’, the latest step in Dave Filoni’s animated adventures set in the galaxy far, far away.

The voice cast for the show includes Sam Witwer (‘The Mist’), Wagner Moura (‘The Secret Agent’), Richard Ayoade (‘Submarine’), Dennis Haysbert (‘24’), Chris Diamantopoulos (‘The Boys in the Boat’) and David W. Collins (‘The Mandalorian’).

Related Article: Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan Succeeding Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm

Initial Thoughts

While his recent promotion to joint chief of Lucasfilm means he won’t have quite as much time to play in the ‘Star Wars’ sandbox, Dave Filoni is still enjoying the chance to expand the reach of George Lucas’ creation, this time continuing the story of the former Darth Maul.

By layering in crime thriller genre tropes and adding more to Maul himself, Filoni has delivered another smaller-scale animated success.

Script and Direction

Working with Matt Michnovetz to develop the series, Filoni blends the likes of ‘Heat’ with the ‘Star Wars’ milieu for a fun mix that gives Maul fans (yes, we know you’re out there) plenty to enjoy.

And beyond the lead, there are several compelling characters contained within superior scripts.

On the directorial front, supervising director Brad Rau brings a stylish noir touch to the show, while also keeping it of a piece with previous animated outings.

Cast and Performances

Sam Witwer continues to find interesting new directions to take his character, and has really owned the role. Aside from him, Wagner Moura is good value as hard-bitten police detective Brander Lawson, aided by sidekick droid Two-Boots, voiced by a game Richard Ayoade.

On the villainous side, Filoni continues his obsession with comedy droids, with this show’s MVP being Spybot (David W. Collins), a cackling delight.

Final Thoughts

Even if you only know Maul from ‘The Phantom Menace’, chances are you will find something to enjoy here –– the action is intense, the characters compelling and the show as a whole fits well into the ‘Star Wars’ universe while also feeling fresh.

‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’ receives 75 out of 100.

What’s the plot of ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’?

Set after the events of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars,’ this pulpy adventure finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who could be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

Who stars in ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’?

Sam Witwer as MaulGideon Adlon as Devon IzaraWagner Moura as Brander LawsonRichard Ayoade as Two-BootsDennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-DakiChris Diamantopoulos as Looti VarioCharlie Bushnell as Rylee LawsonVanessa Marshall as Rook Kast

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