While it’s not the first time a practical element has appeared in a Lucasfilm Animation production, Maul – Shadow Lord includes a physical vehicle, matte paintings and many classic elements to not only tell an incredible Star Wars adventure, but also help craft an aesthetic that is distinctly, uniquely and unforgettably ‘Star Wars‘.
For many years now, Aron and his team have found small but meaningful ways to incorporate practical elements into the work created by Lucasfilm Animation, from subtle atmospheric details to pieces of architecture and landscapes. In addition to incorporating physical matte paintings throughout and real smoke in Maul’s vision seen in the eighth episode, Maul – Shadow Lord provided them with the opportunity to create one of their most significant practical contributions yet.
The physical ingredients for the freighter came from a variety of sources. Years ago, when first experimenting with 3D printing in resin, Aron had created a number of parts for a Rebel snowspeeder like those first seen in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He included a number of those pieces in the new ship, while using the base plate from a miniature Gundam set for the center component. The spacecraft would only be visible from behind, so Aron focused entirely on the rear section, including the engines, landing gear, and boarding ramp, as well as the sloping fuselage, the core of which he carved in foam. A handful of camera angles determined how precise elements would be finalized.
