A Sith Welcome

Host Anthony Carboni introduces voice actor Sam Witwer, known for his voice work as Darth Maul, and Lucasfilm Animation Vice President of Animation Production Athena Portillo. The pair take the stage, which is lit in Sith red and decorated to resemble a Mandalorian forge.

Announcing Maul: Shadow Lord

Witwer and Portillo are finally able to publicly discuss a project they have been keeping secret for a year: a brand new animated series titled Maul: Shadow Lord. Witwer shares the humorous story of how Dave Filoni summoned him to Burbank a year prior just to casually drop the news. In hindsight, Witwer realizes Filoni had been hinting at the project for a long time.

Exploring Maul’s Next Chapter

The new series will take place roughly one year after the events of The Clone Wars. Witwer explains that the show will explore new traits and depths to the character, finding Maul in a state of dusting himself off after being defeated and kicked to the curb by Ahsoka Tano.

The Animation Dream Team

Both guests praise the team working on the series, highlighting head writer Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Joel Aron, and Keith Kellogg. Portillo notes that Witwer has been heavily involved in reviewing scripts and providing input on the character’s depth. In return, Witwer praises Portillo as a mastermind producer who refuses to see her team fail.

Walking Holocrons

Carboni points out that Witwer is essentially a walking Star Wars encyclopedia, to which Witwer jokingly corrects him that the proper in-universe term is Holocron. Carboni also highlights Portillo’s deep, lifelong fandom and encyclopedic knowledge of the universe.

Looking Ahead to May the 4th

Before wrapping up the interview, Carboni touches on another major Lucasfilm Animation announcement: fan-favorite characters Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane will be returning in the upcoming Tales of the Underworld series, set to release on May 4. Portillo expresses her excitement, calling herself a Sith girl at heart and a massive fan of Ventress.