The galaxy's most relentless survivor is back, and this time, he's not just lurking in the shadows, he's ruling them. "Star Wars: Maul Shadow Lord" arrives on Disney+ April 6, and it wastes no time diving into the darker corners of the Star Wars universe.

Set after "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," the series follows Maul as he attempts to rebuild his criminal empire on the remote planet Janix, far from the tightening grip of the Empire, but not beyond danger. It's pulpy, gritty, and unmistakably Dave Filoni's ("Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu") signature style, fusing high-stakes action with a character study of one of the franchise's most enduring villains.

At the center of it all is Maul himself, once again voiced with simmering intensity by Sam Witwer, (TV's "Leog Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy") as the former Sith lord from the planet Dathomir searches for purpose--and power--in a galaxy that's moved on without him.

His path collides with a young, vulnerable and disillusioned Twi'lek Jedi (Devon Izara, TV's "Euphoria" and "Shape Island") who is on the run following Order 66, and is targeted by Maul as a potential new apprentice.Their dynamic gives the series real emotional weight, exploring themes of identity, survival, and the blurry line between mentor and manipulator.

It's "Star Wars" storytelling at its most morally complex and exactly the kind of layered narrative longtime fans crave. Guiding her journey, and occasionally testing Maul's own schemes, is the wise and formidable Master Eeko-Dio-Daki, (Dennis Haysbert, "Send Help").

Adding a fresh perspective to the chaos is Wagner Moura, fresh off his Oscar-nominated film "The Secret Agent." He plays police detective Brander Lawson. The detective isn't part of the Empire and not aligned with the Rebellion, but rather just a lawman trying to maintain order on a world that’s anything but orderly.

Paired with his scene-stealing droid partner Two-Boots (Richard Ayoade, "The Phenician Scheme") and yes, he literally wears boots), Lawson grounds the story in a gritty, almost noir-like realism that gives the series a unique edge within the "Star Wars" galaxy.

For fans, "Shadow Lord" hits that sweet spot. It expands the lore while deepening a character we thought we already understood. The animation style builds on "The Clone Wars" but leans more stylized and atmospheric, perfectly matching Maul's fractured psyche and the harsh world of Janix.

Two episodes of "Star Wars: Maul Shadow Lord" will premiere each week, with the final two airing on the ultimate "Star Wars" holiday, May 4. Fair warning, that finale has some big surprises. The filmmakers take a bold, character-driven swing with this series, and it absolutely pays off.

"Star Wars: Maul Shadow Lord" is created by Dave Filoni, based on "Star Wars" and characters created by George Lucas.

The series is developed by Filoni and Matt Michnovetz. Brad Rau is supervising director. The executive producers are Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Carrie Beck, and Josh Rimes. Alex Spotswood is the co-executive producer.

IN OTHER TV NEWS:

PARAMOUNT+ GREENLIGHTS NEW REALITY SERIES, "TEAM MOMS"

Paramount+ has greenlit a new unscripted series titled "Team Moms," executive produced by Kim Kardashian, ("All's Fair," and "The Kardashians") which will premiere later this year.

"Team Moms" launches viewers into the world of nationally competitive youth baseball via immersion into the Legendary Prep Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona's first and only baseball prep school.

The series follows the coaches, founders and a group of dynamic families and their respective teen sons who comprise the starting lineup for one of the most competitive youth baseball programs in the world.

It's a feeder to Division 1 college scholarships, NIL deals and ultimately, fame and fortune in major league baseball.

Willing to do whatever it takes for their children to excel at America's favorite pastime, the intensity of the program is only paralleled by the fervor of its athletes' parents, who will stop at nothing to ensure their kids make it to the big leagues.

The series is produced by Love Island USA producer, ITV America, Kim Kardashian Productions and Paramount Sports Entertainment. Executive producers for ITV America are Mioshi Hill, Jordana Hochman, Jeremiah Smith and Tom Ciaccio alongside Kardashian. Natalie Ento also serves as an executive producer.

"Team Moms" joins an enduring slate of unscripted shows available on Paramount+ including "Survivor," "The Challenge," "Big Brother" and many more along with the recently announced original series, "Making Love.

ABOUT PARAMOUNT, A SKYDANCE CORPORATION:

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The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS - America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and and the newly established Paramount Sports Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com, @ParamountPlus @PeakParamount #ParamountPlus.

Editor's Note: Some information used in these articles provided by Disney+ and Paramount+ publicity departments.