The new Darth Maul show has piqued fan interest. We only know so much at this point, but the premise of Maul trying to restore his criminal empire is enough to get us excited. One question to clarify, though, is when it takes place. And, why does Maul help a kid? The answers to these questions intersect in the post-Clone Wars era.
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When Does Maul Shadow Lord Take Place?
To answer this question, some fans speculate that the show takes place about a year or so after Order 66 or the events of Revenge of the Sith. This estimate appears to be correct.
Official sources only specify that Maul – Shadow Lord occurs “after the events of “‘The Clone Wars’” when Maul “plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.” Hence, we know it’s after Order 66 and in a far-off world with mystery and intrigue.
Matching this scenario with the Star Wars Media timeline gives us around 18 BBY, which coincides with the tail-end of The Bad Batch. In comparison, this new show takes place roughly 8 years before Maul’s appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
All this means that the Empire is in its infancy, the ruins of the Clone Wars lie fresh across the galaxy, and Maul is poised for evilness and revenge. It’s an intriguing interval with many possibilities beyond Maul’s quest to resurrect his criminal world.
Some video posts like this one conjecture that Maul in this time and place could usher in a new phase for Star Wars productions. As we only have 10 episodes to find out, and it’s been described as “a super-fast series,” we should aim to make the most of Maul while he’s around again.
A Related Question
Why is Maul helping a child is one related question that intersects with the time period and the possible plots. Star Wars.com offers how Maul “crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan” who may just be the apprentice Maul needs. So, the why wraps around Maul’s quest for revenge in the newly established Imperial era.
We know that this young Padawan is Devon Izara, a Force-sensitive Twi’lek on the run from the Empire who appeared in the official trailer. We may assume they have similar motivations to strike an independent path across the galaxy, setting their own rules as they try to “shatter” the Empire.
On the planet Janix, we can anticipate the action rising with Maul and his apprentice contending with the Empire and Inquisitors while they attempt to subvert both and make their rightful claim to criminality. The Eleventh Brother is one intriguing character in the mix, possessing a ruthlessness that could stymie Maul’s plans.
Maul’s Time
Transpiring after Order 66, Maul – Shadow Lord could be taking place at just the opportune moment for events to turn in Maul’s favor. Combined with a young apprentice, he may forge a path that the Empire has to reckon with, instead of him running from the Empire.