George Lucas' Canceled Star Wars Show Is Back: Disney+ Brings 'Underworld' to Life
Published Feb 4, 2026
By Matthew Rudoy, ScreenRant's Movie & TV News Editor
The next Disney+ Star Wars series is a thrilling revival of George Lucas' canceled show, 'Star Wars: Underworld'. Since Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the franchise has expanded with numerous films and series, including the sequel trilogy, 'Rogue One', 'Solo', 'Star Wars Rebels', 'The Mandalorian', 'The Bad Batch', and 'Andor'.
But one of Lucas' unfulfilled visions is now coming to fruition. 'Star Wars: Underworld' was a live-action, multi-season series set in the criminal underworld of the Star Wars universe, primarily on the planet Coruscant. It was set between 'Revenge of the Sith' and 'A New Hope', with a projected budget of $40 million per episode, which ultimately led to its cancellation.
The Noir Underworld Returns
'Maul: Shadow Lord', the upcoming Star Wars series, brings a noir-inspired criminal underworld story back to the franchise. Set on the planet Janix, it follows Maul, a former villain turned protagonist, who seeks to rebuild his criminal empire. The show features stylized animation, blending gritty cityscapes with old-school filmmaking techniques.
Moral Ambiguity and a New Character
Maul's character presents moral ambiguity, a stark contrast to his previous villainous role. The introduction of Brander Lawson, a former bounty hunter turned police detective, adds another layer of complexity. Lawson's pursuit of Maul on Janix, a planet untouched by the Empire, may lead to difficult moral choices, as Maul could be their best defense against the fascist regime.
A Revival of Lucas' Vision
'Maul: Shadow Lord' is an animated series that captures the genre, tone, setting, and themes of Lucas' canceled 'Underworld' show. It promises a gritty, morally complex narrative, bringing a unique twist to the Star Wars universe.
Premiere Date
The two-episode premiere of 'Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord' is set for April 6, exclusively on Disney+.
