“Maul: Shadow Lord” is set shortly after the end of Star Wars: The Clone Wars , in the early days of Emperor Palpatine’s reign, on a planet called Janix that is described as being largely untouched by the Empire’s direct control.

When and where it’s set

  • The series takes place near the beginning of the Galactic Empire , shortly after Order 66 and the fall of the Jedi Order.
  • Maul is rebuilding his criminal syndicate on Janix , a city-world built into a crater with its own functioning democracy and local law enforcement, making it a fertile ground for underworld activity but not yet fully under Imperial rule.

Timeline in the Star Wars canon

  • This puts “Maul: Shadow Lord” in the period between The Clone Wars and the events leading toward Rebels , when Maul has survived his clashes with the Jedi and is operating independently of both the Sith and the formal Empire.
  • The show specifically follows Maul after his Clone Wars storylines , but before his later appearances where he is more isolated and focused on personal vendettas.

Key story setup

  • Maul encounters a disillusioned young Twi’lek Jedi Padawan named Devon Izara , who is on the run after Order 66, and may become the apprentice he is seeking for his revenge-driven plans.
  • The Empire’s secret enforcers, including Inquisitors like Marrok , are active in the galaxy at this time and cross paths with Maul, emphasizing that the show sits firmly in the early-Imperial, post-Order-66 era.

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