The Star Wars universe just got a whole lot darker. The first official trailer for Crimson Dawn: A Star Wars Story (2026) has just been released, and it promises to take fans on a thrilling, gritty journey through the shadows of the galaxy, focusing on the rise of the notorious criminal syndicate, Crimson Dawn, and the two Sith Lords who will stop at nothing to claim its power.
Set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and Solo: A Star Wars Story, Crimson Dawn delves into the criminal underworld where Darth Maul (played by Ray Park, with motion-capture by Sam Witwer) and Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones) are locked in a deadly power struggle. After Maul’s rise to power in the criminal syndicate, he crosses paths with Darth Vader, who has come to eliminate all threats to the Emperor’s new order.
The teaser opens with a haunting shot of Maul, his crimson double-bladed lightsaber igniting in the shadows of a desolate moon. Maul’s voice growls: “There is no more Republic. There is no more Jedi. There is only power.”
Key trailer moments include:
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Darth Vader in full armor, hunting down a rogue faction of the Crimson Dawn as he slices through its mercenaries with brutal precision
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A tense confrontation between Maul and Vader in the shadow of a burning space station, each testing the other’s limits
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Flashbacks to Maul’s turbulent rise through the underworld, showcasing his ruthless leadership and battle with former allies
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The shocking reveal of Qi’ra (played by Emilia Clarke) returning as a key figure in the conflict, navigating the dangerous dance between the Sith and Crimson Dawn
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A final, electrifying standoff between Maul and Vader, with Maul taunting: “You’re nothing but a puppet on a string. And I will cut it.”
The film’s direction by Jon Favreau combines the high-intensity action fans expect with deeper political intrigue and complex character dynamics, further expanding the Star Wars galaxy in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
Social media is buzzing with excitement, with hashtags like #CrimsonDawn, #MaulVsVader, and #SithPowerStruggle dominating the conversation.
Crimson Dawn: A Star Wars Story will arrive in theaters on December 17, 2026, with an exclusive IMAX screening and a tie-in comic book series to explore the expanded lore.
Two Sith. One galaxy. Only one will rise. 🖤💥