The new Star Wars series delivers everything fans hoped for after seeing The Phantom Menace. Set during a dark period of the Empire’s rule, Maul – Shadow Lord follows the resurrected Sith apprentice as he pursues vengeance against those who have betrayed him. And it’s a hit – currently the highest-rated Star Wars TV show ever, with a perfect 100% score from critics and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s no surprise to find references to The Phantom Menace, and some of the hidden details are cleverly done. For example, Darth Maul’s introduction uses the same music as his lightsaber duel from the film. However, the most interesting connection is a subtle reference to Anakin Skywalker, offering a glimpse into his childhood on Tatooine.
Rylee Lawson is Playing a Very Familiar Sport
The lacrosse-like sticks used in the Star Wars game MAUL – SHADOW LORD were originally seen as props in the background of Anakin Skywalker’s workshop in THE PHANTOM MENACE.
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) April 14, 2026
The story Maul – Shadow Lord takes place on Janix, a world full of crime. Captain Brander Lawson is working hard, but unsuccessfully, to maintain order and avoid Imperial interference. This puts him in a difficult position, as he tries to balance his duties as a police officer with his personal life, especially his relationship with his son, Rylee. Rylee enjoys playing botekin, a sport similar to lacrosse. Interestingly, his botekin stick is a subtle reference to The Phantom Menace; fans might recognize it from Anakin Skywalker’s room.
We don’t actually know much about Anakin Skywalker’s childhood on Tatooine. While he was a slave, he was passionate about pod-racing and hoped winning the Boonta Eve Classic would allow him and his mother to escape slavery. However, there was clearly more to his life than just racing, and we’re now beginning to understand what that was. As a slave, he wouldn’t have been able to regularly participate in events or attend competitions, but he likely spent time with friends playing games, like botekin.
Given his incredible reflexes – clearly enhanced by the Force, as demonstrated in podracing against competitors like Sebulba and Ben Quadinaros – it’s logical that Anakin would excel at other sports. These activities would have helped him develop the precision and finesse he’d later need as a Jedi, skills crucial for wielding a lightsaber effectively.
It’s easy for Star Wars to overload fans with hidden references, but the recent nod to the botekin in Maul – Shadow Lord feels well-placed. It actually enriches the Star Wars universe and even sheds a little light on Anakin Skywalker’s backstory. This detail really showcases the dedication and thoughtfulness Lucasfilm has poured into this incredibly popular series.
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2026-04-14 22:41