The Star Wars franchise seems almost limitless right now. With Disney in charge of the property, Lucasfilm has been releasing main installments and standalone films in quick succession over the past few years. It's been an exciting time for the fandom, as the galaxy far, far away continues to expand and interconnect. This was certainly the case with Solo: A Star Wars Story, which told the backstory of fan favorite characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian. Solo also surprised everyone by including a brief appearance by Darth Maul, the fan favorite villain from The Phantom Menace. It surprised everyone, including even Ewan McGregor. Ray Park plays Maul in the Star Wars franchise, and recently revealed how bonkers McGregor went for his character during the Solo premiere. As Park tells it,
I was scared and nervous. Because Ewan was seated right beside me. When you hear Maul speak for the first time, Ewan knew it was me. And he's just like 'Yeah, yeah, yeah! Well done!' and I'm like 'I want to see myself!' But it was so nice for him to be like that with me. And to hear that reaction in the movie theater.
Not only was Obi-Wan excited to see his old nemesis back on the silver screen, Ewan McGregor's excitement was so much that Ray Park could barely watch his brief scene. That is next level nerdiness, even for a Jedi master.
Ray Fisher's comments on The Star Wars Show are sure to warm the hearts of Star Wars fans out there, who have been following Maul and Obi-Wan's journey for a number of years. While the duo only briefly crossed lightsabers in The Phantom Menace, their story was greatly expanded in the Clone Wars and Rebels animated series. And while the Star Wars icons may be mortal enemies, Ewan McGregor and Ray Fisher seem to have only a positive relationship. Days of fight choreography will do that to you sometimes.
As a reminder, you can check out the iconic Phantom Menace lightsaber duel below, complete with Maul's presumed death.
Maul might not have had a long appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story, but it was enough to have most Star Wars fans practically salivating with excitement. After Qi'ra dispatches Dryden Vos in the third act, she contacts his boss. That happens to be Maul, who summons Qi'ra and essentially gives her a promotion in the Crimson Dawn. It's a brief scene that seemed to set up a sequel or standalone film, although it's unclear if/when Maul's story might continue. But it's clear that Ray Park is ready for the call.
Solo: A Star Wars Story arrives for digital purchase on September 14th, and physical copy on September 25th. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
