After 23 Years, Star Wars Gives the Sith Code the Ultimate Upgrade (& It’s Inspired By Rogue One)

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The new Star Wars series, Maul – Shadow Lord, is changing how we understand the Sith. Traditionally, the Sith have been portrayed as a dark version of the Jedi Order, taking the Jedi’s noble principles and corrupting them. This idea goes back to the creation of the Sith Code for the 2003 game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which was designed as a twisted counterpart to the Jedi Code. Like the Jedi Code, it likely evolved over time, with its central tenets being modified and expanded upon throughout the centuries to encompass all areas of life.

Lucasfilm has revealed a new teaser for the upcoming Star Wars series, Maul – Shadow Lord, which will delve into Maul’s story during the Empire’s rule. The teaser showcases the show’s impressive animation, but it’s particularly notable for a powerful mantra Maul chants while fighting Inquisitors: “I master the Force, and the Force serves me.” While not a direct quote from the established Sith Code, the phrase perfectly embodies Sith beliefs and likely represents a part of the larger code, or perhaps an earlier version of it.

I am a master of the Force, and it obeys my will.

The new Star Wars series, Maul – Shadow Lord, begins streaming April 6th, exclusively on Disney+.

— Star Wars (@starwars) April 1, 2026

Darth Maul’s Sith Mantra Is a Homage to Rogue One

Maul’s repeating phrase is a twisted version of one first heard in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. That film introduced the Guardians of the Whills, a group devoted to the light side of the Force, who used the phrase, “I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me.” Later stories have shown that both the Guardians and the Jedi shared this mantra, with the Jedi using it often during the High Republic Era—hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker saga—and it may even be an older part of the Jedi Code. Maul’s version follows the same structure, but with a much darker meaning.

What really struck me about the Jedi and the Sith is how differently they approach the Force. The Jedi are all about finding peace within the Force, understanding it’s already a part of them – it’s a cooperative relationship. The Sith, though? They want to control the Force, to force it to do their bidding, and that desire is all about power. It’s ironic, really, watching Darth Maul constantly chant about domination. If he truly had mastered the Force, he wouldn’t need to remind himself – or struggle so visibly – to achieve it. It’s a telling detail, and a great piece of character work, suggesting his power isn’t quite what he believes.

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I think everyone knows the classic Sith Code – “Peace is a lie…and all that.” But honestly, it’s always struck me as a bit…weak for the Sith. It talks about being freed, instead of taking freedom. It feels like they’re waiting for something to happen to them. This new version, though? It just feels more…Sith. It’s about seizing what you want, not waiting for it to be given. It really captures their aggressive nature in a way the original code doesn’t quite hit.

Maul – Shadow Lord is a standout Star Wars series. It delivers on the promise of shows like The Acolyte, offering a story focused on the villain and exploring the dark side of the Force in detail. It’s great that the show is giving fans a new look at the Sith, their philosophy, and the nature of the dark side, which is a major draw for viewers and a smart focus for Lucasfilm’s promotion.

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2026-04-01 21:45