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, recently 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 voice behind Darth Maul, on *Maul: Shadow Lord*. "Sam was deeply involved in developing the character's depth and lore alongside our head writer and supervising director," she told IGN during the event. "He and [Lucasfilm CCO Dave] Filoni co-created the animated version of Maul, and Sam's input on scripts, whip reels, and even color choices has been invaluable."
This series marks a significant exploration into the life of the iconic villain. "It's like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees," Portillo jokingly remarked about Maul's recurring nature. "He's died multiple times, but always returns. We're diving deep into his history and stories."
How Darth Maul Went From Supporting Villain to Star Wars Icon
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Portillo emphasized the enhancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production process, particularly in "the animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, lighting concepts, and assets." She highlighted how Dave Filoni, after the challenges of the post-Covid era, encouraged the team to push beyond their comfort zones. "He told us to create something that's an upgrade from what we're used to doing," she said. "We've updated our body rigs, facial animations, and all the lighting. When Filoni reviewed one of our episodes, he said, 'Wow, you guys are creating cinema.'"
Portillo added that *Maul: Shadow Lord* is a step up even from recent projects like *The Bad Batch* and *Tales of the Underworld*. "We just completed *Tales of the Underworld* and are releasing *Maul* in 2026, but we're still refining it."
*Tales of the Underworld* will focus on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each getting three episodes for a total of six. Ventress's storyline will explore "the opportunity Mother Talzin gave her to return," according to Portillo. "She meets a boy in the first short, and it becomes a tale of two Jedi on the run, creating a relationship story across the three episodes."
Ventress's journey picks up from where the *Dark Disciple* novel left off, confirming its canonicity. "The connection between Quinlan Vos and Ventress, especially when he says, 'I will always love you,' was a fan favorite," Portillo shared. "Jedi aren't supposed to get involved, but love stories like Obi-Wan and Satine, Padme and Anakin, and now Ventress and Quinlan Vos, are compelling."
Portillo also noted Ventress's introspection about her past. "After going through a lot, some choose exile, while others embrace the dark side," she explained. "Ventress meets a character who helps her find a better path."
Both *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord* promise to enrich the Star Wars universe. *Tales of the Underworld* will premiere on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while *Maul: Shadow Lord* is slated for a 2026 release.
