Lucasfilm Animation VP Discusses Underworld Tales and Maul: Shadow Lord: 'An Upgrade'

Star Wars fans are in for a treat with upcoming animated projects, as revealed at Star Wars Celebration Japan. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared exciting details about two new series during an exclusive interview with IGN: the newly announced "Tales of the Underworld" and the "Maul: Shadow Lord" series.

Portillo expressed 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. "Given his long-standing collaboration with [Lucasfilm CCO Dave] Filoni in creating Maul's animated persona, Sam provides valuable input from script reviews to watching work-in-progress reels and color tests."

While Darth Maul has been a familiar figure in the Star Wars universe, "Maul: Shadow Lord" promises to explore his story in unprecedented depth. Portillo humorously likened Maul's resilience to that of iconic horror villains like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, noting, "In Star Wars, Darth Maul has died multiple times, yet he always returns. We're diving deep into his history and exploring new facets of his story."

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Portillo emphasized the significant advancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production process, highlighting improvements in "animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, lighting concepts, and assets." She recounted how Dave Filoni, upon initiating the Maul series post-COVID, encouraged the team to push beyond their comfort zones. "Filoni challenged us to create something that surpasses our usual standards, enhancing body mechanics, facial animations, and lighting," she said. "After watching an episode, Filoni remarked, 'Wow, you guys are actually creating cinema.' He was immensely proud of what we achieved with this show."

Portillo confirmed that "Maul: Shadow Lord" is a step up from previous projects like "The Bad Batch" and "Tales of the Underworld," which they have recently completed. The latter series, set to release on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, will focus on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each getting three episodes. Ventress' storyline will explore her resurrection by Mother Talzin and her subsequent journey with a young boy, leading to a narrative about two Jedi on the run and a budding relationship.

Portillo addressed fan speculation about Ventress' death and rebirth, confirming that "Tales of the Underworld" continues from the "Dark Disciple" novel. "The connection between Quinlan Vos and Ventress, especially when Vos professed his love, deeply resonated with fans," she noted. "These stories of forbidden love, like those of Obi-Wan and Satine or Anakin and Padme, captivate audiences."

Ventress' journey in "Tales of the Underworld" will also delve into her reflections on her past and her path forward, with Portillo suggesting that the characters she encounters might influence her to become a better person.

Both series are poised to expand the Star Wars universe in exciting ways, and while "Tales of the Underworld" has a confirmed release date, fans are eagerly awaiting news on when "Maul: Shadow Lord" will premiere in 2026.