*George Lucas has confirmed (to E!) that Darth Maul will not be returning in Episode II. However, he did say that Ray Park(the actor that played Darth Maul in TPM) himself would be back, as a different character.

Premise: (quoted directly from LucasFilms, 8/6/01)
"Anakin (Christensen) has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan (McGregor), who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padme (Portman) whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic."

Premise Notes: Details of this film that takes place 10 years after Episode I. Some events that have either been reported or rumored include Anakin's return to Tattoine to rescue his mother, a possible love triangle between Anakin, Amidala and someone else (unknown), a subplot involving the Mandalorians (the armor of which Boba Fett wears in later films), and of course, the continued maneuvering of the Dark Side to defeat the Jedi Knights and take control of the Republic. This is Star Wars as it nears its darkest hours... Plus, obviously, there is an Attack of the Clones.