Star Wars 2026 Release Has Viewers Hyped: ‘Could Be One of the Best’

A new era of Star Wars is almost upon us, even if you haven’t realised it.

When Disney Plus launched several years ago, Lucasfilm adopted a TV-centric focus but that age is now drawing to a close.

In terms of live-action TV projects, it’s only season two of Ahsoka that’s actually confirmed to be on the way; I think we’re going to have to accept that Skeleton Crew may not be returning despite not receiving an official cancellation.

This reduction in TV output comes alongside Lucasfilm’s return to cinema with The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter both now having been unveiled.

Arguably, Lucasfilm's most exciting upcoming project comes in the form of an animated series.

Fans are seemingly more hyped for next year’s Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord than they are anything else on Lucasfilm’s docket.

Set after The Clone Wars, the series will follow Sith Lord Darth Maul during the reign of the Galactic Empire, with Sam Witwer returning to the role after voicing the character in The Clone Wars and Rebels.

There’s plenty that we don’t know about the series, but it has been confirmed that it’ll feature a similar animation style to The Clone Wars.

It’s being produced by Lucasfilm Animation, with Matt Michnovetz onboard as head writer, and Brad Rau acting as supervising director.

Naturally, Dave Filoni is on the list of executive producers.

The general gist is that Maul will set about rebuilding a criminal syndicate, training a new apprentice in the process.

We know this apprentice is a Twi-lek but no name has been provided for the character nor the actor.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord is set to debut on Disney Plus in 2026 and the hype is already through the roof amongst many Star Wars fans.

“Sam Witwer, that’s all I needed to know,” wrote Reddit user 0pThomas_Prime.

“If they do Maul justice, this could be one of the best Star Wars stories yet,” added PsychologicalCall426.

“Sam Witwer as Maul is always a reason to be excited,” echoed Zhe_Wolf.

Of course, not everyone is convinced; so many fans feel so let down by Lucasfilm in recent years that it’s difficult for them to get their hopes up.

For example, we all thought The Book of Boba Fett was going to blow us all away and just look at what happened there.

Personally though, I’m with those who are thrilled about this series.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord has the potential to be an absolute banger.