Star Wars will play the Modernity Card. While the Star Wars Celebration is in full swing in Japan, it is during a panel tinged with nostalgia that we learn that Lucasfilm is preparing a new foray into animation with animation with Maul : Shadow Lord. Scheduled for 2026, this new animated series already promises to upset the aesthetic codes of the franchise.
The first images and the trailer have already aroused certain enthusiasm. This time, Star Wars Animation opts for a radically different approachaligning on the most out-of-the-market trends in industry, all in pencil, 3D and painting. The animation offers the series a unique, almost artisanal visual texture, which is reminiscent of Spider-Man : New Generationor more recently Ninja Turtles : Teenage Years. By opting for this pictorial hybridization, Lucasfilm demonstrates his desire to modernize his image and to offer a new experience, Far from the smooth and hyperrealist standards of classic 3D to which the franchise had accustomed us with The Clone Wars or The Bad Batch.
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A modernized aesthetic
With Maul : Shadow LordLucasfilm not only intends to renew its catalog, but also confirm its place in an animated landscape in full change. By adopting this unprecedented aesthetic, Star Wars Animation puts itself in tune with the most innovative studios. The return of the Jedi in the hearts of the public could well come from animation rather than the big screen.
On the story side, everything is in the title: Maul : Shadow Lord will mark the return of Maul, the old Sithin an unprecedented story located after the Clone warwhile he tries to rebuild his criminal union on a planet still spared by the Empire.
Our opinion on the first images
It must be admitted that it is a difficult announcement to anticipate, so much Lucasfilm cultivated the mystery as to the future of its lively division. However, the presence of Sam Witwer had somewhat sold the wick. It is therefore on the Celebration Stage that Dave Filoni formalized this expected firm foot project by the worshipers of the antagonist.
From the first seconds, it appears very clearly that the license is at the dawn of a new era. First of all aesthetics, which radically contrasts With previous projects. More alive, more vibrant and devilishly effective, Maul’s animation is enough to give us the furious desire to discover more about this shadow area of the history of Darth Maul. Exit the impersonal 3D, which put off more than one fan of the universe, Star Wars Animation has the firm intention of addressing a new audience. Those that the revolutionary animation of Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse Soufflé.
The public responded to Filoni’s call, the delirious crowd confirms that The fans will be there. It remains to be seen now if Disney+ will be able to seduce those who are not already acquired in its cause. We bet yes.
See you in 2026
The release of Maul : Shadow Lord is planned for 2026 South Disney+. This project, which already promises to be an event, could well pave the way for a new generation of animated series, capable of seducing both nostalgic and the newcomers of the very very distant galaxy of George Lucas.
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