Darth Maul explained: story, timeline, series and saberstaff
Darth Maul is much more than just the Sith from The Phantom Menace. He is one of the most famous Star Wars villains ever, due in part to his red-and-black appearance, his intense fighting style and, of course, his iconic dual lightsaber. In the official canon, his story runs from The Phantom Menace through The Clone Wars and Solo: A Star Wars Story to Star Wars Rebels, and in April 2026 he will even get his own new series: Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord.
Darth Maul's story does not stop after Naboo. It is precisely his return, his obsession with Obi-Wan Kenobi and his rise in the criminal underworld that make him so popular.
Who is Darth Maul?
Darth Maul is a Dathomirian Zabrak who was trained by Darth Sidious. He is known as a dangerous warrior and cunning strategist, driven by hatred, revenge and the dark side. His weapon became one of the most famous in all of Star Wars: a double-bladed lightsaber constructed of two hilts linked together.
Darth Maul timeline in chronological order
1. The Phantom Menace
For many fans, Darth Maul's story begins in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. There he appears as the silent, deadly apprentice of Darth Sidious. On Naboo, he kills Qui-Gon Jinn with his double red lightsaber, then Obi-Wan Kenobi defeats him by cutting both Maul and his weapon in half. That duel made Darth Maul instantly legendary.
2. The Clone Wars
What many fans have wondered for years becomes clear in The Clone Wars: Darth Maul has survived defeat. It is officially confirmed that he proved much more difficult to destroy than first thought. At this stage, he changes from fallen Sith to a dangerous player within the underworld. His story here becomes darker, more personal and strategic.
During this period, his hatred of Obi-Wan continues to grow and he once again builds power. You also see a different side of Maul here: not only as a fighter, but also as a manipulator and leader. This is a major reason why so many fans see precisely The Clone Wars as the moment when Darth Maul truly became a multi-layered character.
3. Solo: A Star Wars Story
In Solo: A Star Wars Story, it appears that Maul is still active behind the scenes of the galactic underworld. His appearance is brief, but important because it confirms that he still has influence in the Empire period. For many viewers, this was proof that his story was far from over after The Clone Wars.
4. Star Wars Rebels
In Star Wars Rebels, Darth Maul's story gets its last major chapter. Here he once again crosses paths with Jedi and Force users, manipulates Ezra Bridger and his obsession with Obi-Wan Kenobi comes to a final denouement. Finally, Maul's story ends on Tatooine, where he is finally defeated by Obi-Wan in a final duel.
This ending makes Darth Maul not only impressive, but also tragic. His entire life ultimately revolves around anger and revenge, and that is precisely what makes him one of the most memorable characters in Star Wars.
5. Maul - Shadow Lord
Darth Maul's story is still not finished. Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord premiered on Disney+ on April 6, 2026. The series is set after The Clone Wars and shows Maul trying to rebuild a criminal syndicate on Janix, in the early days of the Empire. There he crosses paths with Devon Izara, a young Twi'lek Jedi Padawan living in hiding with her master Eeko-Dio Daki. As a result, the series forms an important bridge between The Clone Wars, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars Rebels.
Why is Darth Maul's lightsaber so popular?
Darth Maul's lightsaber is one of the most famous weapons in all of Star Wars. His weapon consists of two hilts linked end-to-end. This allows him to fight with one blade or with two red blades at the same time. This makes his lightsaber not only visually unique, but also perfectly suited to his aggressive, acrobatic fighting style.
Discover Darth Maul sabers at KenJo Sabers
Want to experience the iconic style of Darth Maul for yourself? Then check out our collection:
Darth Maul Saberstaff black/silver
Appears in: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
The Saberstaff is a very strong and striking saber which is available in both black and silver. The saber consists of two sabers. These can easily be coupled to form Saberstaff but can also be used separately to have one saber in each hand. The entire hilt features several beautifully detailed plating and knobs. The top of the saber has rectangular cutout which allows the light of the sword to be seen. This saber is great for saber spinning.
View the Saberstaff black here
View the Saberstaff silver here
Darth Maul Saberstaff Essence
Appears in: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
This essence variant of perhaps the most legendary saber in the Star Wars universe. The bearer of this saber was born on Dathomir and one of the most famous Sith from the movies. The iconic dualsaber also known as Saberstaff is instantly recognized by every fan. Affordable yet iconic, these sabers offer the essence of our favorite legendary sabers.
Check out the Saberstaff Essence
Hybrid Saberstaff
Appears in: Star Wars Rebels, Solo: A Star Wars Story and joins Maul - Shadow Lord
The Hybrid Saberstaff matches the later version of Maul. After his defeat on Naboo and his return to the series, his lightsaber takes on a rougher, rebuilt look. This model is therefore ideal for fans of the older, darker Maul from the Underworld period.
Check out the Hybrid Saberstaff here
Twilight
Appears in: Star Wars Rebels
The Twilight fits well with Maul's last major chapter in Star Wars Rebels. In this series, Maul is no longer a Sith apprentice, but a broken dark side survivor still driven by revenge. This saber fits well with that mysterious and tragic version of Darth Maul.
Dark One Revisited
Appears in: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and The Mandalorian
The Dark One Revisited fits the Darksaber storyline surrounding Mandalore. For Darth Maul, this is especially relevant in The Clone Wars, where he defeats Pre Vizsla and becomes involved in the power struggle for Mandalore. A great choice for fans of Maul, Mandalore, Pre Vizsla and Bo-Katan.
Watch the Dark One Revisited here
Zabrak Enforcer
Appears in: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Zabrak Enforcer does not belong directly to Darth Maul himself, but to Savage Opress, his brother. Therefore, this saber is a perfect fit for fans of Maul's full story in The Clone Wars, including Dathomir, the Nightbrothers and the dark bond between Maul and Savage.
Check out the Zabrak Enfocer here
Conclusion
Darth Maul has grown from an impressive villain from The Phantom Menace to one of Star Wars' most fascinating characters. His story runs from Sith apprentice to survivor, crime leader and tragic opponent of Obi-Wan Kenobi. And with Maul - Shadow Lord, his story gains renewed attention in 2026.
