The upcoming Obi-Wan show on Disney+ will feature a rematch between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader, but the series may have end up revolving around a different conflict entirely.

THR reports that Ray Park, who played Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, was originally set to reprise the role. The report says early versions of the story featured Darth Maul hunting down Obi-Wan and a young Luke Skywalker, before the plot was changed to avoid covering similar ground to the Mandalorian's Baby Yoda plotline.

According to THR's sources, Park was on set for preproduction and stunt training, and that there may have even been some footage shot. Ultimately, though, Maul was reportedly written out of the show in favor of Darth Vader and the Grand Inquisition.

It's worth noting that another one of THR's sources from Lucasfilm said Maul was never a part of the plan for Obi-Wan at all.

While the extent of Darth Maul's involvement isn't entirely clear, we do know that the Obi-Wan project underwent serious rewrites during production. In January 2020, the show was put on hold "indefinitely" because Lucasfilm president and Obi-Wan producer Kathleen Kennedy was unhappy with the script. Just last week, we learned Kennedy scrapped the original scripts because they were too bleak.

Originally introduced in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul was a memorable if underused part of the first prequel film. While that movie ended with Obi-Wan defeating (and seemingly killing) Darth Maul, the character would eventually return to the screen in The Clone Wars and Rebels television shows. In fact, Star Wars Rebels features a meeting between Maul and Obi-Wan on Tatooine, so it's possible the Obi-Wan writers decided to leave that plotline alone. Darth Maul also appears at the end of Solo, as the teased villain for a sequel that will seemingly never happen.

While there may be no Darth Maul, Obi-Wan will feature a pair of other villains. Inquisitor Reva appears in the Obi-Wan trailer, threatening Uncle Owen while presumably on the hunt for Jedi. And, of course, Hayden Christensen will return as Darth Vader. The show is set to debut on Disney Plus on May 25.

For more, check out our analysis of the first Obi-Wan trailer. Or, read what Obi-Wan star Ewan McGregor is saying about the recent wave of Star Wars prequel positivity.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Harley Quinn's Kite Man character is getting his very own spinoff show, Screenrant reports.

The Batman villain/former fiancé to Poison Ivy appeared most recently in HBO Max's Harley Quinn animated series, voiced by Matt Olberg (Veep, Superstore), and served as more comedic relief in a sea of comic characters. Harley Quinn co-showrunner/co-developer Patrick Schumacker revealed the new spinoff at a SXSW panel focused on DC's ventures into more adult-leaning animated series.

The spinoff is a Cheers-style comedy tentatively titled "Noonan's," the bar that DC universe henchmen hang out when not busy working for big name villains, which Harley and her crew occasionally visit to hire muscle or kick back a few cold ones.

"[Kite Man] tries to run the bar by himself but it doesn't turn out so easy," Schumacker said. "We have Harley and Ivy appear in the first episode, but after that we have different goons and villains appearing every episode like Lex Luthor and Bane. It will be kind of like 'Cheers' for supervillains."

It'll be interesting to see just how much Harley Quinn and Ivy factor into Kite Man's spinoff, considering season two of Harley Quinn ended with Ivy and Kite Man finally breaking off their engagement, and Harley making off with the girl of her dreams.

Harley Quinn season 3 premieres sometime later this year, and promises to follow on season 2's romantic antics as well as the new comic line's development of Ivy and Harley's relationship. You can check out every upcoming DC series and movie here.

Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/henchman for IGN.

Harley Quinn's Kite Man character is getting his very own spinoff show, Screenrant reports.

The Batman villain/former fiancé to Poison Ivy appeared most recently in HBO Max's Harley Quinn animated series, voiced by Matt Olberg (Veep, Superstore), and served as more comedic relief in a sea of comic characters. Harley Quinn co-showrunner/co-developer Patrick Schumacker revealed the new spinoff at a SXSW panel focused on DC's ventures into more adult-leaning animated series.

The spinoff is a Cheers-style comedy tentatively titled "Noonan's," the bar that DC universe henchmen hang out when not busy working for big name villains, which Harley and her crew occasionally visit to hire muscle or kick back a few cold ones.

"[Kite Man] tries to run the bar by himself but it doesn't turn out so easy," Schumacker said. "We have Harley and Ivy appear in the first episode, but after that we have different goons and villains appearing every episode like Lex Luthor and Bane. It will be kind of like 'Cheers' for supervillains."

It'll be interesting to see just how much Harley Quinn and Ivy factor into Kite Man's spinoff, considering season two of Harley Quinn ended with Ivy and Kite Man finally breaking off their engagement, and Harley making off with the girl of her dreams.

Harley Quinn season 3 premieres sometime later this year, and promises to follow on season 2's romantic antics as well as the new comic line's development of Ivy and Harley's relationship. You can check out every upcoming DC series and movie here.

Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/henchman for IGN.

Microsoft and Twitch are once again teaming up for a new ID@Xbox Showcase with /twitchgaming that looks to highlight some of the most exciting indie games from developers all around the world. From Tunic to Trek to Yomi to other surprises, there should be plenty to look forward to.

IGN is carrying the stream and as usual, this watch guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch the show, including when it starts, a list of places you can watch it with us, and what you can expect to see at the show.

ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022 Date and Start Time

The newest ID@Xbox Showcase with /twitchgaming will take place on March 16, 2022. The stream is scheduled to start at 10am PT/1pm ET/5pm GMT. If you live in Australia, that translates to March 17 at 4am AEDT.

How to Watch the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022

IGN plans to carry the Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox showcase stream, which means we'll have it available on a variety of platforms. Here’s the full list of places you can watch the Xbox event with us:

• IGN.com (homepage)
• IGN’s Youtube Channel
• IGN's Twitch Channel
• IGN’s Twitter

What to Expect From the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022

This ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming indie showcase will feature updates, new trailers, and gameplay from Finji's Tunic (which is out the same day!), Princess Farmer and Onsen Master developer Whitethorn, and the first game from iam8bit's new publishing label.

Fans of There Is No Light, Trek to Yomi, Shredders, and Roblox will also get a chance to see the latest from the teams behind them alongside being treated to some "new games that you need to tune in for to see!"

Twitch streamers will also be happy to know that the event is open for co-streaming, and Microsoft has shared direction on how to set that up if you are interested.

For an idea of what you can expect from the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming indie showcase, check out our roundups of its first and second shows, which featured such games as Nobody Saves the World, Death's Door, Lightyear Frontier, Soup Pot, Moonglow Bay, Pupparazzi, and more.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Microsoft and Twitch are once again teaming up for a new ID@Xbox Showcase with /twitchgaming that looks to highlight some of the most exciting indie games from developers all around the world. From Tunic to Trek to Yomi to other surprises, there should be plenty to look forward to.

IGN is carrying the stream and as usual, this watch guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch the show, including when it starts, a list of places you can watch it with us, and what you can expect to see at the show.

ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022 Date and Start Time

The newest ID@Xbox Showcase with /twitchgaming will take place on March 16, 2022. The stream is scheduled to start at 10am PT/1pm ET/5pm GMT. If you live in Australia, that translates to March 17 at 4am AEDT.

How to Watch the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022

IGN plans to carry the Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox showcase stream, which means we'll have it available on a variety of platforms. Here’s the full list of places you can watch the Xbox event with us:

• IGN.com (homepage)
• IGN’s Youtube Channel
• IGN's Twitch Channel
• IGN’s Twitter

What to Expect From the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming Indie Showcase March 2022

This ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming indie showcase will feature updates, new trailers, and gameplay from Finji's Tunic (which is out the same day!), Princess Farmer and Onsen Master developer Whitethorn, and the first game from iam8bit's new publishing label.

Fans of There Is No Light, Trek to Yomi, Shredders, and Roblox will also get a chance to see the latest from the teams behind them alongside being treated to some "new games that you need to tune in for to see!"

Twitch streamers will also be happy to know that the event is open for co-streaming, and Microsoft has shared direction on how to set that up if you are interested.

For an idea of what you can expect from the ID@Xbox and /twitchgaming indie showcase, check out our roundups of its first and second shows, which featured such games as Nobody Saves the World, Death's Door, Lightyear Frontier, Soup Pot, Moonglow Bay, Pupparazzi, and more.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

The Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and original Spider-Man trilogy director Sam Raimi would love to work on a Batman film.

Speaking to Empire, he said: "I’ve always loved Batman. If I ever saw the Bat-signal up in the air, I’d come running."

Though he's not dabbled in DC before and officially enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe this May, Raimi said Batman is one of his favorite superheroes.

Raimi's already fulfilled his other superhero dreams, noting that Spider-Man and Doctor Strange were among his other favorites, which is why Raimi included a reference to Strange in Spider-Man 2 years before the MCU took over the world.

It would be some time before DC looks for a new Caped Crusader director, of course, as Matt Reeves' The Batman has proved incredibly successful so far. It will almost definitely get a sequel, not to mention The Penguin and haunted house style Arkham spin-off shows.

Reeves wants the potential sequel to feature Mr. Freeze, saying he'd love to put the crazy character into a dark and down-to-earth story. The Batman himself, however, Robert Pattinson, wants to explore the Court of Owls arc.

In our 10/10 review, IGN said "Matt Reeves’ violent, thrilling, darkly beautiful take on The Batman more than justifies its place in the franchise’s canon."

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale.

The Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and original Spider-Man trilogy director Sam Raimi would love to work on a Batman film.

Speaking to Empire, he said: "I’ve always loved Batman. If I ever saw the Bat-signal up in the air, I’d come running."

Though he's not dabbled in DC before and officially enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe this May, Raimi said Batman is one of his favorite superheroes.

Raimi's already fulfilled his other superhero dreams, noting that Spider-Man and Doctor Strange were among his other favorites, which is why Raimi included a reference to Strange in Spider-Man 2 years before the MCU took over the world.

It would be some time before DC looks for a new Caped Crusader director, of course, as Matt Reeves' The Batman has proved incredibly successful so far. It will almost definitely get a sequel, not to mention The Penguin and haunted house style Arkham spin-off shows.

Reeves wants the potential sequel to feature Mr. Freeze, saying he'd love to put the crazy character into a dark and down-to-earth story. The Batman himself, however, Robert Pattinson, wants to explore the Court of Owls arc.

In our 10/10 review, IGN said "Matt Reeves’ violent, thrilling, darkly beautiful take on The Batman more than justifies its place in the franchise’s canon."

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale.

After over a decade away from theaters, the Shrek franchise is returning to the big screen this fall with Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. The spinoff is a sequel to 2011's Puss In Boots, the last feature film we've seen from the franchise.

Antonio Banderas is set to return as the voice of Puss In Boots. The story will follow the titular swashbuckling cat as he looks to restore his nine lives, having already burned through eight of them. Banderas will be joined by Salma Hayek, What We Do in the Shadows' Harvey Guillén, Black Widow's Florence Pugh, and Big Mouth's John Mulaney.

Hayek will play Puss in Boots' former partner Kitty Soft Paws, and the two characters will have to reunite to stay one step ahead of Pugh's Goldilocks. Other cast members include Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, Anthony Mendez, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

The executive producer of Puss In Boots 2 is Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri. Back in 2018, we learned Meladanri was rebooting the Shrek franchise, which could eventually include a new Shrek movie.

Puss in Boots first appeared in 2004's Shrek 2, and the character instantly became a staple in the Shrek franchise, appearing in Shrek 3 and Shrek 4 before eventually starring in his spinoff film. Back in 2011, we called the original Puss In Boots movie good, saying, "this new spin-off film will surprise you with its clever script and hearty adventurer's spirit."

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

After over a decade away from theaters, the Shrek franchise is returning to the big screen this fall with Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. The spinoff is a sequel to 2011's Puss In Boots, the last feature film we've seen from the franchise.

Antonio Banderas is set to return as the voice of Puss In Boots. The story will follow the titular swashbuckling cat as he looks to restore his nine lives, having already burned through eight of them. Banderas will be joined by Salma Hayek, What We Do in the Shadows' Harvey Guillén, Black Widow's Florence Pugh, and Big Mouth's John Mulaney.

Hayek will play Puss in Boots' former partner Kitty Soft Paws, and the two characters will have to reunite to stay one step ahead of Pugh's Goldilocks. Other cast members include Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, Anthony Mendez, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

The executive producer of Puss In Boots 2 is Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri. Back in 2018, we learned Meladanri was rebooting the Shrek franchise, which could eventually include a new Shrek movie.

Puss in Boots first appeared in 2004's Shrek 2, and the character instantly became a staple in the Shrek franchise, appearing in Shrek 3 and Shrek 4 before eventually starring in his spinoff film. Back in 2011, we called the original Puss In Boots movie good, saying, "this new spin-off film will surprise you with its clever script and hearty adventurer's spirit."

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Discovery will soon become Warner Bros. Discovery when its merger with AT&T’s WarnerMedia is complete next month, and as expected the newly formed company will combine their two streaming services — Discovery Plus and HBO Max — into a single service.

According to Variety Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels confirmed this week that Discovery will combine the two streamers amid speculation over the future of this newly joined company. “One of the most important items here is that we believe in a combined product as opposed to a bundle,” Wiedenfels says.

Analysts didn’t have a clear view on whether Warner Bros. Discovery would combine the two services, or offer a bundle similar to the one Disney offers for Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu.

However, Wiedenfels also confirmed that combining HBO Max and Discovery Plus into a new service will take some time. And so in the immediate future, there will be a bundle for the two streaming services before a new app is ready.

Discovery Plus is currently available for $4.99 a month with ads or $6.99 without, while HBO Max costs $9.99 for an ad-supported version or $14.99 for the ad-free version. No word yet on what a combined streaming service will cost.

WarnerMedia and Discovery announced the $43 billion deal in 2021, three years after AT&T acquired WarnerMedia for $85 billion. The merger will combine WarnerMedia’s vast catalog of movies and TV shows with Discovery’s library of unscripted programming, think reality shows, and docu-series.

HBO Max will bring shows like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and movies like Dune and The Batman together with Discovery’s hit reality shows like 90 Day Fiance and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

While the two sides bring different shows and movies to the table, combined it could potentially offer a “something for everyone” package, especially if the price is compelling. For more on the massive deal check out IGN’s in-depth explainer on the merger.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.