Star Wars fans had better brace themselves, as the year 2026 is going to be massive for the franchise. There is a slew of stories from different galaxies far, far away that have been scheduled for the year. The Mandalorian and Grogu, a continuation of the Disney+ series that debuted back in 2019, will bring the franchise back to theaters for the first time in seven years. But the first spectacle of the year from the Star Wars universe is going to be a brand-new animated series that will be released in a matter of days now.

But the surprises do not seem to end here, as Disney has decided to renew this new series for a season 2 ahead of its first season’s release.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord creator and executive producer Dave Filoni has confirmed that Season 2 is in the works from Lucasfilm Animation ahead of the show's release on April 6, 2026. A bold move by the studio showing unwavering confidence in the content and the story of the show.

The series, which centers on Darth Maul, the former Sith apprentice of Palpatine/Darth Sidious, will take place in the Dark Times of the Star Wars universe, immediately following Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Since the first season has not yet been released, it is unclear what the show's upcoming season will feature.

Maul: Shadow Lord is going to be an animated series that was announced during Star Wars Celebration last year. The first two episodes of the series will premiere on April 6. Interestingly, longtime Darth Maul voice actor Sam Witwer, who is well-known for his role as Starkiller in the Force Unleashed video games, returns to the series. The show is the most eagerly awaited Star Wars production of the year and can be a lifesaver for the franchise that has been struggling in the past few years.

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Since the show is almost at the doorstep, the release schedule of Maul: Shadow Lord has already been released.

Since there are just a couple of days left for the arrival of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, the release schedule for the show has been revealed for the convenience of the viewers. On April 6, the show's first two episodes, The Dark Revenge and Sinister Schemes, will premiere. The third and fourth episodes, Whispers in the Unknown and Pride and Vengeance, will premiere on April 13. 

On April 20, Inquisition and Night of the Hunted, episodes five and six, will be released. Call to the Oblivion and The Creeping Fear, the seventh and eighth episodes, will debut on April 27. The title of the season 1 finale has not yet been disclosed, although Episode 9 is named Strange Allies and they both are going to air on May 4. 

The renewal of Maul: Shadow Lord for a second season has further fueled anticipation for the new story of the beloved franchise. The series that was once George Lucas’ long-lost vision has been revived and taken to greater heights by creator Dave Filoni, even before the series' release. 

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Are you excited to see Darth Maul and his story in this new Star Wars series? Do let us know in the comments.