Disney Plus Expands Star Wars Universe as Disney Challenges Google Over AI Use

Disney Plus will launch a new Star Wars series in 2026. The show is called Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord. It follows Darth Maul after the events of The Clone Wars. Disney also raised a major complaint this week. The company says Google used Disney characters in AI tools without permission.

This mix of expansion and dispute marks a sharp moment for Disney. The company is adding new Star Wars stories but also guarding its rights in a fast‑changing tech world. According to Variety, Disney sent Google a cease‑and‑desist letter over AI‑generated images that feature Disney characters.

Disney Plus Star Wars Plans Gain Momentum

The new series Maul – Shadow Lord will stream on Disney Plus in 2026. It brings back actor Sam Witwer to voice Darth Maul. The show explores Maul’s rise in the criminal world. It takes place on a planet outside the Empire’s reach.

Disney will also support the series with a comic prequel. The comic is titled Star Wars: Shadow of Maul. It will be released by Marvel Comics. The prequel will connect to the events of the new show. These combined releases show Disney’s push to build more Star Wars content for streaming.

This move fits Disney’s long‑term plan. The company has shifted more focus to Disney Plus. New Star Wars content remains one of its biggest draws. The upcoming series aims to bring fans deeper into Maul’s story and expand the timeline past earlier shows.

Disney Challenges Google Over AI Content

On the same week, Disney took a firm stand against Google. The company said Google’s AI tools created images and videos of Disney characters. These characters include major names from Disney films and Marvel stories. Disney told Google the AI output breaks copyright rules. This was reported by Variety, which said the complaint covered many well‑known characters.

Disney also said the generated images may confuse users. Some could think Disney approved the content when it did not. Google replied with a polite statement. The company noted its long relationship with Disney. But Google did not deny the claims about AI output. The issue raises new questions about how AI tools use copyrighted work.

This dispute comes as more companies debate AI model training. It also comes at a time when Disney is forming new partnerships in the AI space. The industry is now watching how tech firms and media giants will share rights and control.

Shifting Strategy as AI and Streaming Intersect

Disney also announced a large partnership with OpenAI. The deal is worth $1 billion. Disney plans to let its characters appear inside OpenAI’s video generator called Sora. This shows Disney still wants to use AI. But it wants control over how and where its characters appear.

This timing reveals Disney’s new path. The company is building new stories for streaming. At the same time, it is working to protect its characters in the AI age. These steps may guide how other studios react to new AI tools.

Disney Plus now stands at a key point. The company’s growth in Star Wars content and its fight over AI show a clear plan. Disney wants strong control of its stories as new technology spreads. The main keyword “Disney Plus” reflects the center of this shift.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the new Disney Plus Star Wars series?

The new series is called *Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord*. It will follow Darth Maul in 2026. It expands the Star Wars timeline after *The Clone Wars*.

Q2: When will the Maul series release?

The show is set for 2026 on Disney Plus. It brings Sam Witwer back as the voice of Darth Maul.

Q3: Why is Disney challenging Google?

Disney says Google’s AI tools made images and videos of Disney characters. Disney claims these outputs break copyright rules.

Q4: What did Google say about the complaint?

Google said it values its long relationship with Disney. It did not deny using public web data for its AI models.

Q5: How does the OpenAI deal affect Disney?

Disney will work with OpenAI to place Disney characters in Sora. This lets Disney use AI in a controlled way.