While Sam Witwer might not be commonly recognized outside the realm of the Star Wars saga, he has earned a cherished spot among fans, especially at events like Star Wars Celebration. With the forthcoming series, Maul: Shadow Lord, he is poised to solidify his popularity. Fans of Star Wars animation will likely recognize his voice, having performed in various series such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Resistance, and Star Wars: Rebels. Witwer is also celebrated for his role in video games, notably voicing Galen Marek—also known as Starkiller—in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
Witwer’s portrayal of Darth Maul stands out as one of his most significant contributions to the franchise. The character underwent a remarkable evolution throughout Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, with Witwer playing an instrumental role in bringing Maul’s complex narrative to light. In Maul: Shadow Lord, he will explore the character’s journey following the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, delving into the darker aspects as Maul transitions into the crime lord encountered in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
During a recent interview with Ash Crossan from ScreenRant at Star Wars Celebration, Witwer discussed his new project, Maul: Shadow Lord, and reflected on his extensive contributions to the Star Wars universe. He elaborated on Maul’s mindset in the series and how past decisions intertwined with Emperor Palpatine still linger in the shadows of his existence. Below are some insights from their conversation, and be sure to stay tuned to ScreenRant for the latest updates on Star Wars and Star Wars Celebration.
The Legacy of Collaboration: Maul: Shadow Lord
A 16-Year Journey with the Shadow Lord Team
By the time he stood on the Star Wars Celebration stage to announce Maul: Shadow Lord, this project had been a significant part of Sam Witwer’s life for over a year. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “I started 17 or 18 years ago on The Force Unleashed,” highlighting that his collaboration with the current team stretches back 16 years to his time on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Witwer warmly referred to the team as “old friends,” emphasizing the closeness he shares with his colleagues throughout the years.
He commended the creativity of the team, beginning with Matt Michnovetz, the head writer of Maul: Shadow Lord: “He is coming up with all this crazy stuff… It’s reassuring to have someone like Matt steering the ship.” He also praised Brad Rau, calling him “one of the best filmmakers” he’s had the pleasure of working alongside, describing him as an “on-the-ground Dave Filoni apprentice.”
The audio landscape of Maul: Shadow Lord is in the capable hands of David Collins, who returns from his previous work on The Force Unleashed. Witwer mentioned that Collins plays a dual role as lead sound designer, hinting that he may also voice a character—”There’s a weird symmetry between ‘Force Unleashed’ and this project,” Witwer stated. “David is very involved in unexpected ways.”
Witwer’s enthusiasm extended to the directors and other creative talent behind the scenes, including Steward Lee and Joel Aron. Witwer remarked on how Aron’s work imbues each frame with “painterly malice” alongside striking lighting techniques that enhance the overall aesthetic. Witwer noted that Athena Portillo, their producer, has a steadfast commitment to the project’s success, ensuring that creativity thrives without limitation.
Given that Witwer has embodied Maul for over a decade, his involvement in this production is deeper than ever. “It was a little different this time,” he explained. “I’ve never been so deeply involved in a Lucasfilm project. It’s a whirlwind of emails, phone calls, meetings, and recording sessions, making this experience incredibly thrilling.”
Maul’s Existential Dilemma in Shadow Lord
“How Does He Feel About His Whole Life?”
Set in the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Maul: Shadow Lord presents a new interpretation of the character, different from the one fans encountered during Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “Maul is a classically trained Force user,” Witwer explains, “He comes from a time rich with knights, magic, and dragons, but now he witnesses an Empire draining the vibrancy from the galaxy.”
Witwer continued to delve into Maul’s psyche, pondering how the character reconciles his past loyalties and current disillusionment. “Maul was once part of the Emperor’s scheme,” he detailed. “But now that he witnesses its reality, he must confront profound questions: How does he feel about the Jedi’s extinction? What does he make of his own life decisions?” Maul: Shadow Lord begins precisely at this pivotal moment in his journey.
Regarding Maul’s ties to Crimson Dawn—a faction hinted at in Solo: A Star Wars Story—Witwer teased, “Crimson Dawn? Interesting. They might just make an appearance… but who knows?”
Stay tuned to ScreenRant for the latest updates on Star Wars, Star Wars Celebration, and Maul: Shadow Lord.