Maul: Shadow Lord Predictions with F.J. DeSanto

The Potty-Mouthed Prophet returns! Filmmaker F.J. DeSanto returns to RFR with his takes on Star Wars hot topics, like how well will the Sequel Trilogy age? What will be the impact of generative A.I. videos on audience expectations for future Star Wars films? And of course, F.J. brings us his "Prophet or Loser" predictions about Maul: Shadow Lord. Ryan Gosling has been on the interview circuit lately to promote Project Hail Mary, and of course the topic of Star Wars: Starfighter keeps popping up. We have the highlights. Plus, updates on RFR Live in Cleveland with The Mandalorian and Grogu After Show,  guest announcements for the Forest Moon Festival 2026, and more

Sam Witwer. Dave Filoni. Ray Park. Some of the key creatives behind the creation of Darth Maul have appeared on RFR over the years to share insight and information about the evil Zabrak warrior. Celebrating the upcoming release of Maul: Shadow Lord, we bust open the archives to highlight top Maul moments from RFR history. How did Maul get spider legs? And why did he take over The Mandalorians? Get answers to these questions and more as we go mad for Maul!

We look at the all-new second trailer released for Maul: Shadow Lord for a shot-by-shot breakdown of every blast bolt, lightsaber stab, and Jedi backflip. Plus, we investigate clues that Maul will play a Batman-like vigilante role in Shadow Lord and more. And, Grogu at The Oscars, an ashtray found onboard the Millennium Falcon, and more buff Hutts.

A few Star Wars heavyweights were honored at recent award ceremonies for their achievements in filmmaking. We share highlights from speeches by George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Kathleen Kennedy as they accept trophies and we read between-the-lines of some of their comments. Marketing for The Mandalorian and Grogu is starting to emerge. We review a new TV spot and make comparisons between Rotta the Hutt and another buff Hutt from the pages of Star Wars comic books. We also listen to recent comments from Sam Witwer talking about the upcoming Maul: Shadow Lord and, bad news for fans of The Book of Boba Fett. Find out what Temeura Morrison recently said about the series and his future as Boba.

With the newest Star Wars animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord debuting a month from now, it's a great time to get caught up with all-things Maul. We check out interview clips featuring the voice of Maul, Sam Witwer talking about where Maul's head is at during the series. We review the first issue of Marvel Comics "Shadow of Maul" prequel series and learn a little about the supporting cast of the upcoming show and the planet Janix, along with merch for Maul: Shadow Lord emerging from NY ToyFair. Ducks are canon in Star Wars? We look at examples of "duck" references throughout the years. "Tauntaun Talk" returns with Tauntaun v. Hamburgler, and a hilarious Tauntaun moment from South Park.

We broke down the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu last week, so this week, we hear what YOU think. The RFR Voicemail inbox was overstuffed with your opinions, observations, speculations and hot takes. We look at news reports that suggest The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl commercial failed to make the desired impact, according to insiders. How many times will you see the Mando movie in the theaters? We share our thoughts and discuss the reasons why people are avoiding going to theaters like they once did. Plus, nostalgia for Star Wars prequel bootlegs, and "Tauntaun Talk" with The Top Three Greatest Tauntaun Moments of All Time, the shortcomings of digital Hutts and more.

We're diving deep into the newly released, official Mandalorian and Grogu trailer with a complete breakdown and in-depth analysis. From major reveals to blink-and-you'll-miss-it details, we're examining every frame the way only RFR can. And after we wrapped up our breakdown, we turned it over to you — the phone lines were on fire with your reactions, observations, and theories. Plus, Jake's Take! Experience the trailer shot-by-shot with the RFR community!

Tauntauns! We review The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl ad and our switchboard is overflowing with your opinions and comments. The RFR audience has a lot to say about the "Big Game" commercial for the upcoming film. Maul: Shadow Lord is coming soon and will it feature the long-desired showdown between Darth Maul and Darth Vader? Is there a Star Wars/Avengers Marvel Comics crossover on the horizon? Plus, we review the all-new Marvel Comics Jar Jar book co-written by Ahmed Best and more.

Another corporate leadership shakeup that will impact Star Wars has happened as Bob Iger's successor (s) were named this week with Bob stepping down in March. We look at the new bosses and speculate how they will impact Star Wars and Lucasfilm.  We have new updates from our Bothan spies about the Star Wars Original Trilogy 4k remaster upgrade coming to theaters next year. Hear fresh details about the visuals, the audio mix and work being done on deleted scenes.  Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige was once attached to a Star Wars film project but the deal went belly up. What was Feige's Star Wars pitch all about? We'll tell you what we recently heard and the surprising connection his script had with some old Expanded Universe villains.  Plus, discussion about Maul: Shadow Lord, new updates about Taika Waititi's Star Wars film project, currently in developmental hell, and Save The Date for the RFR Mandalorian and Grogu After Show Live happening in Cleveland this May. Listen for details and we'll see you there!  

We walk you through a shot-by-shot breakdown of the new teaser trailer for Maul: Shadow Lord and we review all-new information about the plot and characters. As always, we look for clues about the story and predict what will happen in the upcoming animated series. Plus, more about the upcoming Original Trilogy changes to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and does Dave Filoni really hate Andor, as rumored? Plus, listener feedback and more!