Lucasfilm Animation VP Discusses New Projects: 'An Upgrade in Our Work'

If Star Wars Celebration Japan is any indication, it seems we're about to be treated to an abundance of animated Star Wars projects in the near future. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, sat down with IGN for an exclusive interview to discuss two highly anticipated shows currently in development: the newly announced Tales of the Underworld and Maul: Shadow Lord.

Portillo expressed great enthusiasm during their conversation about collaborating with Sam Witwer, who has voiced Darth Maul across various Star Wars animated projects. She highlighted Witwer's significant involvement in shaping Maul's character depth and lore alongside the head writer and supervising director. "Sam was heavily involved with the character depth and the lore," she told IGN at Star Wars Celebration Japan. "He's involved with the character depth of Maul because he and Dave Filoni co-created the character together in animation, and he gets to read the scripts, watch the rough cuts, and provide feedback."

This isn't the first time we've seen Maul, but it marks the first time audiences will delve deeply into the backstory of this iconic villain. Portillo humorously compared Maul's resilience to characters like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, noting that despite multiple deaths, he continues to reappear. "Darth Maul has passed away many times, but he keeps coming back," she explained. "We're diving into Maul’s history and exploring those untold stories."

The Evolution of Darth Maul: From Supporting Role to Star Wars Legend

View 14 ImagesPortillo emphasized several key improvements in Lucasfilm Animation's production process, including advancements in animation quality, lighting, special effects, matte paintings, and asset creation. She recounted how Filoni challenged the team to push boundaries after returning from the pandemic. "Filoni said, 'You all need to step out of your comfort zone. Being uncomfortable is a good thing, and it leads to greater achievements.' So, we upgraded our animation style, body mechanics, facial expressions, lighting, and more," she shared. "When Filoni watched one of our episodes recently, he remarked, 'Wow, you guys, you're creating cinema.' He was proud of what Lucasfilm Animation has achieved with this project."

Portillo further noted that Maul: Shadow Lord represents an evolution beyond previous works, even surpassing the quality of The Bad Batch and Tales of the Underworld. While Tales of the Underworld released earlier this year, Maul: Shadow Lord is set to premiere in 2026.

Tales of the Underworld, focusing on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, consists of three episodes per character, totaling six episodes. Ventress' storyline explores her return following Mother Talzin's intervention, featuring a dynamic relationship with a young boy. Portillo confirmed that this series builds upon the events of the Dark Disciple novel, addressing Ventress' potential death and resurrection. "The Quinlan Vos and Ventress connection resonated deeply with fans," she mentioned. "Their forbidden love adds emotional depth to the narrative."

Ventress' journey involves reconciling with her past, making choices about her future, and finding balance in unexpected ways. "People often reassess their paths after enduring hardships," Portillo observed. "Some seek solitude, while others embrace the dark side. Ventress' arc reflects personal growth through meaningful encounters."

Both series promise to captivate audiences and expand the Star Wars universe. Tales of the Underworld debuted on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, while the release date for Maul: Shadow Lord remains forthcoming.