Lucasfilm Animation VP Discusses 'Tales of the Underworld' and 'Maul: Shadow Lord': A New Benchmark

If Star Wars Celebration Japan is any indication, fans are in for a treat with upcoming animated Star Wars projects. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared exciting details about two highly anticipated series during an exclusive interview with IGN: the newly announced 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 in developing the character's depth and lore, working closely with our head writer and supervising director," she told IGN at Star Wars Celebration Japan. "He's been integral to Maul's character since he and [Lucasfilm CCO Dave] Filoni co-created him in animation. Sam reviews scripts, watches rough cuts, and provides valuable input on everything from color to character development."

This series marks a significant exploration into the life of Darth Maul, a character who has become an iconic figure in the Star Wars universe. "We often joke that Maul is like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees—seemingly unkillable and always returning," Portillo remarked. "In Star Wars, Maul has died multiple times, yet he keeps coming back. With Maul: Shadow Lord, 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 emphasized the significant advancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production techniques, highlighting improvements in animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, and asset creation. "When Dave Filoni initiated the Maul project post-Covid, he challenged the team to step out of their comfort zones," she explained. "He encouraged us to create something that surpasses our previous work, from body mechanics and facial animations to updated body rigs and enhanced lighting. After watching one of our episodes, Filoni remarked, 'Wow, you guys are actually creating cinema.' He's incredibly proud of what Lucasfilm Animation has achieved with this series."

Portillo also noted that Maul: Shadow Lord represents a significant upgrade from previous projects like The Bad Batch and Tales of the Underworld. "We've just completed Tales of the Underworld and are set to release Maul: Shadow Lord in 2026, but we're still refining it," she added.

Tales of the Underworld will focus on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each character receiving three episodes for a total of six. Ventress' storyline will explore her resurrection by Mother Talzin and her subsequent journey with a young boy, forming a narrative about two Jedi on the run and their evolving relationship.

Ventress' resurrection, previously hinted at in the Dark Disciple novel, is confirmed to be canon in Tales of the Underworld. "The connection between Quinlan Vos and Ventress, especially when Vos declared his love, was a highlight for fans," Portillo shared. "These love stories, like Obi-Wan and Satine or Padme and Anakin, resonate deeply with audiences, even though Jedi are traditionally forbidden from such attachments."

Ventress' journey in the series also delves into her struggle with her past. "After enduring much, characters often reassess their paths," Portillo explained. "Some choose exile, while others embrace the dark side. Ventress' story will show how certain individuals can enter your life to help you become a better person, and the character she meets in the first short provides a positive influence."

Both Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord promise to enrich the Star Wars universe with compelling narratives and advanced animation. 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.