Instead of preserving the familiar Clone Wars silhouette, Lucasfilm has flipped the script. The Darth Maul on Disney+ in 2026 promises a markedly different animation style that sidelines the original show’s signature visuals. The announcement made at Star Wars Celebration 2025 has already ignited discussion among fans who grew up on the original painterly CGI of The Clone Wars. They are wondering if the new look will reshape the galaxy far, far away.
Lucasfilm confirmed the stylistic pivot as part of its official reveal for Maul Shadow Lord. This series is set to explore Darth Maul’s return to power in the underworld following his previous battles with the Jedi and criminal syndicates. According to The Direct, the studio emphasized that the 2026 series would not simply update the old animation but would “reinvent the visual tone” to match Maul’s darker narrative arc.
All the footage released by Lucasfilm so far promotes high-contrast, heavy-shadow aesthetics. The focus is on textures and dramatic lighting rather than bright color palettes. Characters and environment have shifted and appear sharper. This promotes a mature tone for Maul. According to the Lucasfilm Animation creative team, these changes will heighten suspense. This will keep the character-driven storytelling that fans loved alive.
Complementing the animated series, Marvel Comics is preparing a five-issue prequel, Star Wars: Shadow of Maul. It is scheduled for release in March 2026 and is written by Benjamin Percy. He is the comic who introduced new characters and locations, including the planet Janix, establishing narrative threads that will carry directly into the Disney+ series. This cardinal rollout highlights Lucasfilm’s strategy of delivering a multiplatform narrative experience. This allows fans to explore Maul’s criminal empire across both animation and print. Furthermore, it has widened the storytelling options by placing both creative choices and visual directions under closer observation from fans.
There are mixed reactions from the Star Wars community. Those who were waiting for it welcomed the new change. They view this as a natural shift in the character, from revenge and cunning characteristics to something new. At the same time, others complain that removing the visual language of The Clone Wars eliminated the emotional angle. With mixed opinions, Lucasfilm accepted all these changes. It signals their willingness to take creative risks. Hence, broadening the storytelling opportunities and attracting new audiences.
With Disney+ building curiosity in the coming year, Maul, Shadow Lord, has reshaped the continuation of a beloved animated series. It represents a deliberate reimagining of the Star Wars animated universe, blending a darker aesthetic with high-stakes storytelling. Fans are waiting to see whether Lucasfilm’s changes to this new animation style pay off. It is expected to rule the screens as Darth Maul returns to claim his shadowed throne.