Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’s Janix: A Noir-Inspired Metropolis The animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord introduces Janix, a planet whose capital city serves as the backdrop for a complex narrative involving exiled Jedi, a former Sith Lord, and a crimeworl... The city of Janix, central to the series, is designed to feel distinct from other Star Wars metropolises like Coruscant. Supervising Director Brad Rau describes the city as having a “pulpy noir vibe” that permeates every aspect of the story, from its visual design to its psychological undertones. The city is set within a meteor impact crater, surrounded by dense jungle, and features a mix of bustling streets, bridges, and trains, giving it a more grounded, terrestrial feel compared to the towering, air-traffic-dominated structures of Coruscant. Janix’s design team, led by Art Director Andre Kirk, drew inspiration from retro-futuristic concepts of the 1950s and 1960s. Kirk and the team explored sci-fi visions that promised a futuristic world to children during that era, which influenced the city’s color palette and architectural shapes. This approach ensured Janix would stand out visually while maintaining a sense of familiarity. The city’s smaller scale, with multiple levels built over one another, contrasts with Coruscant’s vastness, creating a more intimate and provincial atmosphere. The city’s layout was meticulously planned to align with the series’ narrative. Kirk worked closely with Rau to map out the city’s structure, using whiteboard sketches to outline the characters’ movements and the logical flow of the story. While much of this planning never made it to the screen, it was crucial for ensuring the city felt cohesive and purposeful.#dave_filoni #star_wars_maul #janix #brad_rau #andre_kirk
