‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Cuts All Darth Maul Scenes From the Series

As we get closer to the premiere date for Disney Plus’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, more details are coming out about the production of the series. Obi-Wan takes place ten years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, and finds a reclusive Obi-Wan living in exile on Tatooine, watching over young Luke Skywalker. Joining Ewan McGregor are fellow prequel stars Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Joel Edgerton (Uncle Owen), and Bonnie Piesse (Aunt Beru). But another familiar face from the prequels nearly made it onto the series: Darth Maul.

Darth Maul was set to return in the series, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s information from their own inside sources, with actor/stunt performer Ray Park reprising his role as the double-sided lightsaber-wielding Sith Lord. While the prequels have been universally panned (sorry apologists!) Darth Maul was one of its breakout characters, thanks to his distinctive look and Park’s menacing performance. Park was already prepping to return to the role.

Unfortunately, a creative overhaul of the limited series reportedly saw the narrative focus shift. Lucasfilm decided against reviving Maul and instead chose to bring in Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader and the Grand Inquisitor (Rupert Friend) as the antagonists. The Grand Inquisitor was a major character in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, which was created by Dave Filoni. Maul appeared in the animated series and Clone Wars as well, and returned in live-action form for a cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Had Solo been a success, Maul would likely have returned as the Big Bad in a sequel, but the movie failed to capture audiences. Filoni now oversees the expanded Star Wars universe for the steamer, along with executive producer Jon Favreau.

Park seems to hold no ill will towards the series. He recently shared the Obi-Wan trailer on his Instagram, writing “Who else is excited for this? Obi Wan Kenobi. I’m looking forward to it! SITH RULE!!”

With so many Star Wars projects in the works, we may very well see Park return to his iconic role. In the meantime, we’re excited to see what Obi-Wan Kenobi has in store.

(via THR, featured image: Lucasfilm)

 —The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—