10 Wasted Star Wars Characters That Deserved Better

When I was a child, I always thought that the title, The Phantom Menace, referred to Darth Maul, who seemed to be presented as the main antagonist of the film. Only when I grew older did I realise that, on both counts, I couldn't have been more wrong.

On one hand, what Maul represents is the first physical presence of the Sith in the galaxy for over a millennium. He's significant in that he makes the Jedi Council aware of a larger incoming threat and inspires them to prepare to face their old enemies once again. But as an individual, what does he actually bring to the table? Sadly, not very much at all.

Despite his devil-like appearance and participation in one of the saga's best lightsaber fights, Darth Maul doesn't have a lot going on in terms of personality. Even with the voice of the great Peter Serafinowicz, his dialogue is limited to two or three very bland utterances, which does little to warm the audience to him.

Thankfully, his story is given far more attention in the animated shows, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, but as far as the movies go, it's hard not to look at this character as much more than a great performance cut in half. Fitting, really, considering that's exactly what happens to him at the end.