If Star Wars Celebration Japan is any indication, fans of the galaxy far, far away are in for a treat with upcoming animated projects. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared insights with IGN about two eagerly anticipated series: the newly announced *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord*.
Portillo expressed excitement about collaborating with Sam Witwer, the iconic voice of 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 during the event. "He's been integral to shaping Maul's character since he and Dave Filoni co-created him for animation. Sam reviews scripts, watches rough cuts, and provides valuable input on everything from color to character development."
This series marks a deep dive into the enduring story of Darth Maul, a character often likened to horror icons like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees for his persistent return. "Darth Maul keeps coming back, much like those horror villains," Portillo humorously noted. "In *Maul: Shadow Lord*, we're exploring his rich history and bringing those stories to life."
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Portillo highlighted significant advancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production techniques, from animation and lighting to effects and matte paintings. "After the challenges of Covid, Dave Filoni urged our team to step out of their comfort zones," she explained. "He encouraged us to create something exceptional, pushing the boundaries in animation style, body mechanics, facial animation, and overall lighting. When Filoni reviewed one of our episodes, he remarked, 'Wow, you guys are creating cinema.' It's a testament to the strides we've made with *Maul: Shadow Lord*."
Portillo emphasized that *Maul: Shadow Lord* represents a significant upgrade from previous projects like *The Bad Batch* and *Tales of the Underworld*, which was recently completed. "We're set to release *Maul: Shadow Lord* in 2026, and we're still refining it," she added.
*Tales of the Underworld* will explore the journeys of Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each with three dedicated episodes, totaling six. Ventress' storyline will focus on her resurrection by Mother Talzin and her subsequent adventures with a young boy, forming a narrative about two Jedi on the run and their evolving relationship.
Portillo confirmed that *Tales of the Underworld* picks up from the *Dark Disciple* novel, delving into Ventress' resurrection and her connection with Quinlan Vos. "The emotional depth of their relationship, especially Vos' declaration of love, resonated deeply with fans," she said. "It's a compelling narrative, echoing other iconic Star Wars love stories like Obi-Wan and Satine, and Padme and Anakin."
Ventress' journey also explores her struggle with her past, contemplating her path forward. "After enduring much, characters often reassess their direction," Portillo noted. "Ventress' encounter with a new character in the first short offers her a chance for redemption and growth."
Both *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord* promise to enrich the Star Wars universe. *Tales of the Underworld* is slated for release on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while fans eagerly await further details on *Maul: Shadow Lord*'s release date.
