Rifan Muazin
The Star Wars galaxy has long been defined by the binary struggle between the light and the dark. Yet, in the gripping new series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, that line has become increasingly blurred. At the center of this moral quagmire is Devon Izara, a Twi’lek Jedi Padawan whose journey from a hopeful initiate to a reluctant ally of the galaxy’s most notorious former Sith is the emotional heartbeat of the show.
For actress Gideon Adlon, stepping into the role of Devon has been an exercise in exploring the volatile intersection of teenage angst, profound grief, and the seduction of power. In an exclusive interview with StarWars.com, Adlon breaks down the evolution of her character across the series’ first season, offering insight into what drives a Jedi to walk alongside a monster.
The Core Conflict: A Jedi in the Underworld
The premise of Maul – Shadow Lord finds the galaxy in the suffocating grip of Emperor Palpatine’s new order. For Devon Izara, the collapse of the Republic is not merely a political catastrophe—it is a personal end to the life she was promised.
"I think the core conflict in Season 1 for Devon is figuring out why someone so dark wants her," Adlon explains. "She’s never used her power in the way Maul is trying to show her. She wants to protect Rylee, Lawson, Daki, and herself. She wants to protect Maul. And, honestly, she wants to kill everyone. That’s how you feel as a teenage girl."
This blend of protective instinct and destructive rage is what makes Devon a unique addition to the Star Wars canon. While traditional Jedi are taught to suppress these emotions, the harsh realities of the Imperial era have forced Devon to confront them head-on. She is a young woman caught in a tug-of-war between the fading teachings of her Master, Eeko-Dio Daki, and the pragmatic, brutal tutelage of Maul.
Chronology of a Descent: From Hope to Heartbreak
The narrative arc of the first season is a masterclass in character erosion. At the series’ inception, Devon is living on the streets of Janix, struggling to reconcile her Jedi identity with the necessity of survival.
The Early Days: Moral Ambiguity
In the opening episodes, we see a Devon who is already beginning to fray at the edges. Her decision to steal food—an act strictly forbidden by her Master—signals a shift in her moral compass. Adlon notes that this is the beginning of a long, confusing road. "She is a Jedi, but the world she’s living in is unfair. So, it really confuses her."
The Catalyst: The Fall of Daki
The pivotal moment in Devon’s trajectory arrives in the season finale, specifically with the death of her mentor, Eeko-Dio Daki. Their relationship, which Adlon describes as "paternal—like a father and daughter who work together as colleagues," served as the final anchor tethering Devon to her light-side upbringing.
"Losing Daki flips a switch," Adlon reflects. "You see her become dark. I think that anybody who goes through loss like that, the path they walk on after that brings out new colors. Grief changes a person. The path you go forward on will always be different because you are different."
The Unholy Alliance
Following Daki’s death, the dynamic between Devon and Maul shifts from wary survivalists to a true Master-apprentice pairing. It is a terrifying evolution, yet one that feels narratively inevitable. For an orphan of the Jedi Order with nowhere else to turn, Maul—despite his horrific past—becomes the only figure who recognizes her potential and offers her a path forward, however jagged that path may be.
Behind the Scenes: The Intensity of the Studio
Bringing this story to life required a unique intensity from the cast. Adlon spent significant time in the recording studio with Sam Witwer, the legendary voice of Maul. For Adlon, watching Witwer work was a masterclass in character immersion.
"Sam is great to have around because he knows absolutely everything about Star Wars and Maul," she says. "I mean, he is Maul. It’s been a total joy working with him, and just watching him perform is crazy."
The physical demands of voice acting for an action-oriented Star Wars series cannot be overstated. Adlon describes the process of recording fight sequences as "feral." Because the series is so emotionally charged, the studio sessions often felt like a live-action shoot. "We’ll try and keep the yelling to the end so I don’t lose my voice completely. But I love it. You really can just let it all out with Star Wars screams."
Supporting Data: Character Resonance and Visual Design
One of the most striking aspects of the production for Adlon was the visual development of Devon Izara. The character design, featuring vibrant Twi’lek lekku and a distinct, resilient aesthetic, was a major draw for the actress.
"She’s so pretty. I can’t believe that this is who I get to play," Adlon says with enthusiasm. This connection to the character’s look is more than just vanity; it’s about the tangible representation of a character who occupies the "gray" space of the galaxy. Adlon expresses genuine excitement at the prospect of seeing fans embrace the character through cosplay, noting that she hopes to see the dedication of the Star Wars community reflected in new interpretations of Devon’s look.
Furthermore, the character’s personality—described by Adlon as someone who is "not shy" and "not afraid to kick ass"—positions her as a modern archetype of the Star Wars hero: flawed, vocal, and physically capable.
Official Responses and Creative Implications
Head writer Matthew Michnovetz and the creative team behind Maul – Shadow Lord have clearly prioritized character depth over traditional action beats. By placing the viewer in the headspace of a young woman navigating the loss of her faith and her family, the series elevates the stakes of the Imperial era.
The implications for Season 2 are profound. With the death of Daki and the solidification of her partnership with Maul, Devon is no longer the girl who stole food on Janix; she is a student of the dark side, grappling with a mentor who represents the very thing she was trained to destroy.
Adlon hints that the journey into the dark is not merely about villainy, but about seeking a place in a universe that has deemed her obsolete. "She relates to Maul in a way that she wasn’t able to relate to Daki or people in the Jedi Order," Adlon observes. "Even though they never say it, she does find a father figure in Maul. It’s not love. It’s something I’m trying to figure out with her. And I will."
The Future of the Shadow Lord
As the production for Season 2 gets underway, the consensus among the cast and crew is one of excitement for the uncharted territory they are exploring. The series has managed to carve out a niche that feels distinct from previous entries in the franchise, leaning into a cinematic, high-stakes emotional drama that resonates across generations.
"Everybody on the show is so sweet and just genuinely excited," says Adlon. "They’re all nerding out completely about what we’re doing and how different it is and how no one has seen anything like this in the universe yet. No matter how old you are, or where you are in the world, it makes you feel emotional. Star Wars is special."
With the first season now streaming in its entirety on Disney+, the foundation has been laid for a transformative arc. The age of Maul has truly begun, and at his side, Devon Izara stands as a warning of what happens when the light is extinguished by the overwhelming weight of the galaxy’s darkness. Whether she will eventually find her way back to the light, or be consumed by the shadow she has chosen to follow, remains the most compelling question of the series.
For now, audiences can witness the birth of a new kind of Star Wars protagonist: one who is not defined by her adherence to the code, but by her refusal to be broken by the galaxy that seeks to silence her.
Lina Irawan
Laily UPN
