Star Wars finally explains how Darth Maul survived and Qui-Gon didn't

Despite only starring in one full movie (not including cameos or animation appearances), Darth Maul is one of the most popular villains in the Star Wars movie franchise.

Darth Maul, a double-bladed lightsaber-wielding, spikey red-faced Sith apprentice looks badass in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and is the tormentor of a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and his mentor, Gui-Gon Jinn. Since his short-lived appearance in The Phantom Menace, fans have longed for more Darth Maul.

Check out the Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace trailer below!

Now, before we proceed, we’re about to go into spoiler territory for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, so consider this your final spoiler warning. That being said, The Phantom Menace is a 25-year-old movie and if you’re a Star Wars fan, I’m sure you’ve watched it by now.

Nonetheless, during the final moments of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gonn Jinn gets into an epic duel with Darth Maul. Unfortunately for both combatants, both seemingly died, however, Darth Maul was killed more dramatically as he was sliced in half by Qui-Gon Jinn’s lightsaber.

Yet, despite the odds not being in his favour, Darth Maul survived being sliced like a kebab, but he may have dragged himself into a fate worse than death. According to a Star Wars Wiki page, Darth Maul was dumped in a junkyard on the planet Lotho Minor, feasting on vermin to survive.

What’s more, as explained by GiantFreakinRobot, Darth Maul’s burning hatred towards the Jedi and Obi-Wan Kenobi and by harnessing the dark side of the Force, Darth Maul was able to keep his heart ticking, long enough to eventually rebuild himself. Furthermore, it is said that the clean lightsaber cut which prevented Darth Maul’s guts from spewing everywhere also helped.

So, there you have it, if you’ve ever wondered how in the galaxy far, far away Darth Maul survived his seemingly fatal injuries, now you know. Whether we see Darth Maul again in live-action form, remains to be seen.

The latest saga to be released in the Star Wars franchise is The Acolyte now streaming on Disney Plus.