Disney's live-action Star Wars interquels have had mixed receptions, but the animated installments go from strength to strength. The new series Maul – Shadow Lord, released on Disney+, showcases a more mature and action-packed direction, with influences from both modern hybrid styles like Arcane and The Spider-Verse, as well as classic crime thrillers such as Heat.

Maul’s tale has a pulpy grown-up crime-thriller feel. The series features dark, gritty visuals with heavy shadows, muted blues and greys, and occasional bursts of red and orange to add vibrancy. Matt Michnovetz, who developed the series with Dave Filoni, notes that Gotham City in Batman inspired some aspects of the city on Janix, while the noir mood is partly inspired by Michael Mann's iconic film.

The animation style moves away from the cleaner, slightly plasticky look towards a more tactile and physically painted texture. This blend creates an immersive experience that feels both dark and mature yet vibrant. The textures on Maul’s skin make it appear as if he has tattoo scars, adding to his gritty persona. The city of Janix is designed with stunning detail, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

While Maul – Shadow Lord is a significant step forward for Lucasfilm Animation, questions remain about whether this marks the peak of Star Wars animation or if it could continue to evolve in quality.