How Did You Feel About Darth Maul's Appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story?

I have mixed opinions about how Darth Maul was incorporated into the plot of Solo: A Star Wars Story. While his lightsaber display was certainly impressive, it felt somewhat unnecessary for the story at hand.

Context and Background

To understand my reservations, it's important to know that I was already exhausted from a barrage of narrative cramming that had been forced into one film. I had to contend with three different movie plots fused together, such as a shrinking 'Oliver Twist' story, a sci-fi twist on The Great Train Robbery, and even the Kessel Run's twists.

From my perspective, Solo felt like a hodgepodge of prequels and original storylines. The film seemed to shoehorn in events and character introductions from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, and even the extended universe (Legends). This blended approach made for a confusing experience, especially when characters like Enfys Nest turned out to be rebels who had murdered key figures, and Lando Calrissian's "betrayal."

Initial Impressions: Confusion and Distraction

When Darth Maul was finally introduced, I was caught off guard because in Rebels, he was portrayed as a rogue Sith Lord. It was a big leap to understand how he became the leader of Chrimson Dawn. The revelation still baffled me during my first viewing, and it took a while to contextualize his role within the narrative.

His double-bladed lightsaber appearance was eye-catching but, in my opinion, it seemed more geared towards the audience than the story itself. This display was a spectacle rather than a necessary plot element, and it detracted from the immersive experience. I much preferred the idea of a more subtle introduction, such as a believable backstory or a more substantive role in the plot.

Second Viewing: A More Persuasive Experience

On my second viewing, having some context about Darth Maul's role, his presence became less of a distraction. The focus on his alliance with Qi'ra and the glimpse into the underworld underworld did intrigue me. I started to see the potential for his character development and his relevance to the story’s bigger picture.

Critical Analysis: Storytelling Flaws and Fan Service

From a storytelling standpoint, introducing Darth Maul felt like an indulgence in world-building rather than advancing the plot. It's a common practice in modern cinematic universes, where the focus is on expanding the shared universe rather than delivering a compelling story. This move was unnecessary and somewhat confusing for many viewers. I would estimate that about 40% of the audience might have forgotten about him since The Phantom Menace. Another 30% might have remembered him but assumed that Solo takes place before Episode 1. An additional 20% recognized him and assumed that he had survived, while 10% might have had other theories (like regarding his alternate timeline or brother impostor).

From an editorial perspective, if any portion of Solo was to be cut, Darth Maul's scenes would undoubtedly be one of the first choices. An editor worth their salt would streamline the narrative and make the story more cohesive, especially since Maul was inconsequential to the main plot. Additionally, his actions, such as lighting his saber at the end of a conversation, seemed more like fan-service rather than a meaningful plot development.

Conclusion

While Darth Maul's inclusion in Solo: A Star Wars Story offered some intrigue for fans, it ultimately felt like a superfluous addition to the film. His presence served more to expand the universe rather than enhance the narrative. For a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience, a more thoughtful and integral role for the character would have been preferable.