Lucasfilm Animation VP Discusses New Series: 'An Upgrade in Our Storytelling'

If Star Wars Celebration Japan is any indication, fans are in for a treat with upcoming animated Star Wars projects. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, provided an exclusive interview with IGN, discussing two eagerly awaited series: the newly announced *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord*.

Portillo expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with Sam Witwer, the iconic voice of Darth Maul, on *Maul: Shadow Lord*. "Sam was deeply involved with the character's depth and lore, working closely with our head writer and supervising director," she shared at Star Wars Celebration Japan. "He has been instrumental in shaping Maul's character since its creation in animation alongside Dave Filoni. Sam reviews scripts, watches work-in-progress reels, and provides valuable feedback."

This project marks a significant exploration of Maul’s journey, a character often seen as an enduring villain. Portillo humorously likened Maul to horror icons Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, noting, "Like you keep killing them, but they keep coming back. There is that constant threat, right? It's Star Wars, after all. Darth Maul has seemingly died multiple times, yet he keeps returning. We're diving into his history and exploring his stories in depth."

How Darth Maul Went From Supporting Villain to Star Wars Icon

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Portillo highlighted the significant advancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production techniques, emphasizing improvements in animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, and asset creation. "When Filoni initiated the Maul series post-Covid, he challenged the team to step out of their comfort zones," she explained. "He encouraged us to create something exceptional, pushing boundaries in body mechanics, facial animation, and lighting. After viewing an episode recently, Filoni remarked, 'Wow, you guys are actually creating cinema.' He's incredibly proud of what we've achieved."

Portillo added that *Maul: Shadow Lord* represents a significant upgrade from previous projects, including *The Bad Batch* and *Tales of the Underworld*. "We've just completed *Tales of the Underworld*, and *Maul* is slated for a 2026 release, but we're still refining it."

*Tales of the Underworld* will delve into the lives of Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, each receiving three episodes for a total of six. Ventress' storyline will focus on her resurrection by Mother Talzin and her subsequent journey with a young boy, forming a narrative of two Jedi on the run. "Ventress' story revolves around her meeting a boy in the first short, leading to a relationship story across the three episodes," Portillo detailed.

Ventress' resurrection has sparked debate among fans, particularly regarding its canonicity following the *Dark Disciple* novel. Portillo confirmed that *Tales of the Underworld* continues directly from that narrative. "The connection between Quinlan Vos and Ventress, especially when Vos declares his love, has captivated fans," she said. "These love stories, despite the Jedi's supposed detachment, resonate deeply, akin to the tales of Obi-Wan and Satine, or Padme and Anakin."

Portillo also discussed Ventress' introspection and her path post-resurrection. "After enduring much, characters often reassess their life choices," she noted. "Some choose exile, distancing themselves from their past, while others embrace the dark side. Ventress' journey involves encountering individuals who inspire personal growth."

Both *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord* promise to expand the Star Wars universe in compelling ways. *Tales of the Underworld* is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while *Maul: Shadow Lord* awaits a confirmed release date.