The upcoming Star Wars series Maul – Shadow Lord embraces classic techniques, using painted glass backgrounds reminiscent of A New Hope.

The creators of the upcoming animated series Maul – Shadow Lord have clearly taken cues from the past, employing traditional matte glass painting techniques to vividly depict the cityscape of Janix.

In a recent interview, Athena Portillo, Vice President of Lucasfilm Animation, shared insights into the team’s choice to embrace classic filmmaking methods for the series’ backdrop. “Cinematography, Lighting, and VFX Director Joel Aron really elevated the process by returning to practical techniques, capturing brush strokes on glass, shooting them, and then integrating them into the scenes. He even revisited the use of canvas for establishing matte paintings,” Portillo explained.

During the original Star Wars trilogy, expansive and intricate environments were crafted by painting large glass panels, which were seamlessly incorporated into the scenes. Iconic locations like Cloud City, Hoth, and the Death Star were brought to life using this cost-effective method. However, unlike previous Star Wars projects that featured painted glass backdrops, such as A New Hope, Maul – Shadow Lord layers animated characters over these backgrounds instead of live-action actors.

The first glimpse of the series was revealed in the initial trailer and poster for Maul – The Shadow Lord, showcasing the distinctive brush strokes mentioned by Portillo. Set after the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the series follows Sith Lord Maul as he schemes to rebuild his criminal empire on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he encounters a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who might just be the apprentice he needs in his relentless quest for vengeance.

Sam Witwer reprises his role as Maul, having voiced the character in both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. The voice cast also features Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, and Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots.

Star Wars: Maul – The Shadow Lord is set to premiere on April 6 on Disney+, with new episodes releasing weekly until Star Wars Day on May 4.