By George & Josh Bate
The latest batch of Maul – Shadow Lord episodes teased a mysterious figure bound to appear later in the season. But what is the identity of this unknown, ominous presence? Let’s investigate.
Episode 6 of the new Disney+ series concludes with Marrok kneeling and speaking to the hologram of an unknown individual. Marrok tells the person, “My Lord, I have confirmed the presence of Maul. He is more dangerous than we suspected. It seems he is in league with two Jedi. How shall I proceed?”
There’s a number of characters Marrok could be speaking with, all of whom may appear in a later episode of the series. Check out all the possibilites of the identity of this mystery figure below….
The Grand Inquisitor
A logical possibile identity of our mystery figure is the Grand Inquisitor. The character introduced in Star Wars Rebels and later featured in live-action in Obi-Wan Kenboi is the highest ranking member of the Inquisitorius, meaning that it would make sense for Marrok to contact him to provide updates on the pursuit of Maul.
However logical it may be that Marrok is speaking to the Grand Inquisitor, it’s ultimately unlikely this is the hologram’s true identity. Concluding the episode on the cliffhanger of a mystery figure suggests that Marrok is speaking with someone of prominence – someone that is recognized and loved by Star Wars fans. While an interesting character in his own right, the Grand Inquisitor doesn’t exactly seem like the kind of person the creative team behind Maul – Shadow Lord would opt to shroud in secrecy.
Additionally, Marrok referring to the person as “My Lord” seems a little out of place if he indeed were communicating with the Grand Inquisitor. While Marrok reports to the Grand Inquisitor, the title ‘Lord’ feels like it would be reserved for a more prominent, well-regarded member of the Empire.
UPDATE: StarWars.com has confirmed that Marrok is not communicating with the Grand Inquisitor at the end of the episode: “Earlier drafts of this episode had Marrok calling the Grand Inquisitor in the final scene but he was removed following the second draft script.”
Emperor Palpatine
Anoother possiblity is Emperor Palpatine. Maul’s entire arc in the series seems to be leading toward a big confrontation with his former master, which would give Maul the opportunity to seek revenge against Sidious for the murder of his brother and mother.
While Marrok kneeling for the mystery figure and referring to them as “My Lord” could suggest that the First Brother is relaying infromation to Emperor Palpatine, we also think this is unlikely.
For starters, an Inquisitor communicating directly with the ultimate ruler of the Empire seems a little unlikely. Although Palpatine obviously has an interest in ensuring Maul doesn’t disrupt his plans, taking the time to speak with Marrok directly about such matters seems a little above his paygrade.
Darth Vader
The most likely identity of the mystery figure is none other than Darth Vader. If true, this would mean Maul – Shadow Lord is setting up for a showdown fans have long yearned for.
Vader seems like a likely candidate for the person Marrok is communicating with given that the Inquisitors are overseen by Vader. Various characters throughout the Star Wars saga have referred to as Vader as “Lord Vader,” which would align with how Marrok addresses the figure via hologram.
Narratively, it would make sense that Marrok reports directly to Vader about Maul. And, if true, this would suggest that we will soon get a Maul vs. Vader face-off.
In canon, Vader and Maul have only briefly encountered one another. In The Phantom Menace, Maul almost runs over a young Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine. In The Clone Wars Season 7, Maul speaks with Ahsoka about Palpatine’s plans to turn Skywalker to the dark side. And in the Season 2 finale of Rebels, the two are both Malachor at the same time, although they do not share the screen or interact with one another.
In the Legends comic Star Wars Tales #9, Vader and Maul faced off and gave fans a glimpse of what a duel between the two iconic Star Wars characters could look like. Narratively, it seems like all signs are pointing to a Vader vs. Maul in the near future of Maul – Shadow Lord. The Inquisitors will likely have difficulty subduing Maul, eventually warranting Vader to make his way to Janix and deal with the former Sith lord himself. Whether this confrontation occurs in Season 1 or the recently announced Season 2 remains unclear, but it seems like a safe bet that we’ll see the red blades of Maul and Vader clash sooner rather than later.