Summary
Maul’s intimidating nature is highlighted through memorable quotes and excellent delivery by Sam Witwer.
Maul showcases a range of expressions and emotions, making him a truly terrifying and unforgettable villain.
The combination of well-written lines and superb delivery turns Maul into one of the galaxy’s most sinister figures in the Star Wars franchise.
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Darth Maul has become a recurring villain throughout the Star Wars franchise, resulting in several memorable quotes highlighting his intimidating nature. Originally a supporting villain who didn’t have much dialogue, Maul’s return in Star Wars animation put the former Sith Lord in the spotlight and gave him plenty of speaking lines. Voiced by the incredibly talented Sam Witwer, Maul’s lines are elevated through brilliant delivery, making the character unforgettable.
However, the writing of Maul’s character and how his dialogue reads on the page can’t be understated. Maul has countless lines throughout the Star Wars movies and TV shows that are made intimidating through Witwer’s delivery but don’t sound as threatening when read alone. 15 Star Wars quotes perfectly combine excellent writing with top-notch delivery to make Darth Maul into one of the galaxy’s most intimidating villains.
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15 “What Fun. [Laughing] What Fun!”
Star Wars Rebels season 2, episode 21 “Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 1”
While Maul may not have tried to intimidate the audience, his laughter in the face of many opponents demonstrates confidence in his ability to kill them all. It also shows how Maul has changed in the 15 years since Ahsoka Tano last saw him, as he was generally serious and angry, but now he has a wide range of expressions. Ironically, Maul’s laughter and enthusiasm can be just as terrifying as his directly threatening an enemy, which he proves by attacking three Inquisitors with an evil grin.
14 “Kenobi. [Screams] KENOBI!”
Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 20 “Twin Suns”
Even in a desperate situation, Maul always manages to be terrifying, especially when fixated on his hatred for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sam Witwer displays his phenomenal talent as a voice actor when Malul screams “Kenobi!” in the barren desert wastelands of Tatooine, howling like a lost animal. It reveals Maul’s fury and desperation, a daunting combination for when the former Sith locates his prey.
13 “At Last We Will Reveal Ourselves To The Jedi. At Last We Will Have Revenge.”
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Darth Maul had little dialogue in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, intimidating the audience through his appearance and actions, but his second line was particularly memorable. Peter Serafinowicz’s quiet yet confident delivery cements Maul’s belief that the Jedi will face their match, sinisterly foreshadowing their eventual fall. Combined with Ray Park’s physical performance and the shadowy atmosphere of Coruscant, Maul and Sidious are a truly threatening screen presence.
The scene between Darth Maul and Darth Sidious on the Coruscant balcony was one of the first scenes filmed for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
12 “I See The Padawan Needs One Last Lesson.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 7, episode 10 “Phantom Apprentice”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars revived and redefined Darth Maul as one of the galaxy’s most cunning and ruthless villains, qualities that are on full display in his duel with Ahsoka Tano. When she refuses to join him and rejects his vision of Anakin Skywalker becoming a Sith, Maul mocks Ahsoka and prepares to give her “…one last lesson.” Maul’s delivery is reserved yet full of rage, a perfect introduction to one of the best lightsaber duels in Star Wars.
11 “Real Name? Yes, I Once Had A Real Name. So Long Ago, I Don’t Remember. Now… Now I Am Called… Maul.”
Star Wars Rebels season 2, episode 21 “Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 1”
In another scene where Maul is unintentionally intimidating, he reveals to Ezra Bridger that Maul is not the name he was born with. Sam Witwer perfectly shifts from the voice of a feeble old man to Maul’s raspy, growl-like voice as he states his name, which in turn transitions to Maul’s more active role in the following episode. This revelation highlights the tragedy of Maul’s character and shows that he is no longer the child taken by the Sith but a monster who was cast aside.
10 “That’s Not True. You Know All About Kanan Jarrus. Or Should I Use His Real Name? Caleb Dume.”
Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 3 “The Holocrons of Fate”
While the Star Wars movies depicted Maul as a warrior, the animated shows revealed how intelligent and strategic he was, using his knowledge to manipulate others. Despite Hera Syndulla’s strong will, Maul surprises her by revealing he knows what she and Kanan had always kept secret, implying that she can hide nothing from him. Seeing Maul intimidate someone through quiet dialogue rather than with the Force or a lightsaber is always fascinating.
9 “He Is Dead. He Is Dead. You Led Me To Him. You Failed Your Friends. You Will Die! [Laughs]”
Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 20 “Twin Suns”
The movies and The Clone Wars TV series portrayed Maul as serious or angry, but Star Wars Rebels managed to have him enjoy taunting others. His ability to literally get inside Ezra’s head makes him believe that he has allowed Maul to kill Obi-Wan, which nearly comes true at the end of the episode. This is all the more impressive since Maul was near death shortly before Ezra’s arrival on Tatooine, refusing to surrender and making others suffer instead.
8 “Qi’ra, You And I Will Be Working Much More Closely From Now On.”
Solo: A Star Wars Story
One of the most surprising reveals in any Star Wars movie was Maul’s return as the secret leader of Crimson Dawn in Solo: A Star Wars Story. With Ray Park returning to provide the motion capture and Sam Witwer lending his voice, this version of Maul combined the best aspects of the character in a short scene. Maul’s sly grin and less-than-subtle threat towards Qi’ra reminds her that, while he may be on another planet, there is nowhere in the galaxy she can hide from him.
7 “It Is Not Up To You. Your Mind Will Speak, Or It Will Break.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 7, episode 10 “Phantom Apprentice”
Kylo Ren could use the Force to read Rey’s thoughts in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but Maul’s version of the technique was even more terrifying. Clone trooper Jesse insists he won’t give Maul any information, only for Maul to make clear that he has no say in the matter and will die if Maul doesn’t learn what he wants. It’s an incredibly dark scene, and Maul’s dialogue shows that he always expects people to cave in under pressure.
6 “You Will Remain Alive Only So Long As You’re Of Use To Me!”
Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 3 “The Holocrons of Fate”
An even more terrifying line made worse by Maul’s rage is his threat against the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels season 3. Although Maul has allowed them to live, he easily stops their escape attempt and threatens to execute them if they don’t cooperate. His order for the droids to terminate them later in this episode confirms that he would have made good on this threat.
5 “In A Galaxy At War, Savage, There Is Only One Way To Get The Attention Of The Jedi… Slaughter Of The Innocent, Mercilessly And Without Compromise.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 4, episode 22 “Revenge”
This Maul quote is especially sinister because of its purpose and detailed description, with Maul viewing innocents as nothing but pawns in his war against the Jedi. Rather than simply telling Savage to kill people, Maul states that it must be a slaughter that leaves no one alive, igniting his lightsaber as a group of children approaches. This is easily one of Maul’s most evil moments in the Star Wars franchise and some of Sam Witwer’s best delivery.
4 “Mandalore Will Be Yours, And Kenobi, This Sith Pretender Dooku, And All Our Enemies Will Fall.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5, episode 14 “Eminence”
Maul’s descriptive language continued into Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5, illustrating his ambition as he teams up with the Mandalorian Death Watch. The confidence with which he proclaims his intent to kill Obi-Wan, Count Dooku, and everyone else is already intimidating, and giving this speech while Force choking Bo-Katan Kryze adds an even greater dramatic effect. His threatening tone also conveys that he will tolerate no questioning or betrayal from Death Watch, which he proves later by killing Pre Vizsla in single combat.
3 “I Will Make Sure You Stay Awake Long Enough To Feel Every Single Cut. Your Death Will Be Beyond Excruciating. You Will Suffer As I Have Suffered.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 4, episode 22 “Revenge”
Perhaps Maul’s most disturbing quote was in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 4 after he captured Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not content to kill Obi-Wan right away, Maul describes how he will keep Obi-Wan conscious as he tortures him over a long period, making Maul more cold-blooded than before. Sam Witwer infuses the right amount of rage into Maul’s subtle delivery to create an intimidating presence.
2 “I Never Planned On Killing You. But I Will Make You Share My Pain, Kenobi.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5, episode 16 “The Lawless”
However, Maul’s most horrifying moment was in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5, proving his ability to torture Obi-Wan emotionally instead of physically. Knowing that Obi-Wan is not afraid to die, Maul surprisingly reveals that he no longer plans to kill him, emphasizing that he will make him feel Maul’s pain. Maul practically growls the words and seals Satine’s fate before even drawing his lightsaber.
1 “Oh, You Have A Purpose Here. Perhaps You Are Protecting Something. No. Protecting Someone.”
Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 20 “Twin Suns”
Saving his best quote for last, Maul again goads Obi-Wan by threatening someone he cares about. This quote combines everything about Maul’s character: his ability to deduce people’s fears, his threatening nature, and his terrifying voice. The moment Maul finishes speaking, Obi-Wan has no choice but to ignite his blade, leading to a brief yet intense final duel. Maul’s final line about the Chosen One avenging them is just as memorable, perfectly ending the story of one of Star Wars’ most intimidating villains.
Darth Maul
Created By: George Lucas
Cast: Ray Park, Sam Witwer
Died: Star Wars Rebels
Alliance: Sith/Shadow Collective, Crimson Dawn
Race: Zabrak
Movies: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
TV Shows: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels
Franchise: Star Wars
First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace