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 best-known 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, composed 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, after which 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 wondered for years becomes clear in The Clone Wars: Darth Maul survived defeat. It is officially confirmed that he proved much more difficult to destroy than first thought. At this stage, he transforms from fallen Sith into 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 builds power once again. 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 The Clone Wars in particular 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 is still influential even during 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 in a final duel by Obi-Wan.
This conclusion makes Darth Maul not only impressive, but also tragic. His whole 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. Lucasfilm has confirmed that Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord will premiere on Disney+ on April 6, 2026, starting with two episodes. Set after The Clone Wars, the series will show Maul on Janix trying to rebuild a criminal syndicate in the early days of the Empire.
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 connected 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 Darth Maul's iconic style for yourself? Then check out our collection:
The Saberstaff is a very strong and striking saber which is available in both black and silver. The saber consists as it were 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.
Saberstaff essence
This essence variant of perhaps the most legendary saber from 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 other iconic models of Darth Maul 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 receives renewed attention in 2026.
