The new Star Wars series, Maul – Shadow Lord has taken inspiration from several classic and modern films, according to executive producer Matt Michnovetz. One of the films is Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, known for its gritty and grounded approach. The show takes place after the events of The Clone Wars and follows the titular character as he tries to rebuild his criminal empire, during which he crosses paths with a potential new apprentice.

Matt Michnovetz explains how The Dark Knight and more inspired Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord

Matt Michnovetz shared that Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord was inspired by movies that influenced George Lucas, as well as other films like The Dark Knight, The Godfather, and Heat.

One of the show’s executive producers recently sat down with DiscussingFilm to promote the new Star Wars series. In the interview, Michnovetz said that he and the creative team wanted to add “new elements” to the franchise’s story via the series. He described it as “a pulpy noir” that also had elements of “a detective police procedural” and “a gangster picture.”

“We were inspired by a lot of the classic films that inspired by George [Lucas] to make Star Wars,” he continued. “As well as a lot of modern cinema, including Heat, The Dark Knight, The Untouchables, The Godfather, and those kinds of things.”

‘MAUL: SHADOW LORD’ is inspired by films such as ‘The Godfather’, ‘Heat’, and ‘The Dark Knight’.

“It’s a pulpy noir, there’s elements of a detective procedural, there’s elements of a gangster picture.” pic.twitter.com/RAyagUcSJo

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 4, 2026

Michnovetz further stated that they combined elements from all those movies into a “roller coaster ride of nonstop thrills and action” that leaves fans “at the edge of [their] seat” when they watch each episode.

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord premiered its first season, consisting of 10 episodes, on Disney+ on April 6, 2026. Each was released in pairs until May 4, 2026.

The president of Lucasfilm, Dave Filoni, co-created the series with Michnovetz. The pair also executive-produced with Carrie Beck, Athena Yvette Portillo, Brad Rau, and Josh Rimes.

Sam Witwer returns as the voice of Maul, reprising his role from previous Star Wars shows. The series’ supporting voice cast includes David W. Collins, Dennis Haybert, Gideon Adlon, Richard Ayoade, Vanessa Marshall, Wagner Moura, Chris Diamantopoulos, Charlie Bushnell, A.J. LoCascio, and Steve Blum.

Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on SuperHeroHype.