Reflecting on General Hux: Domhnall Gleeson’s Perspective on a Missed Opportunity
Updated: Sep 24, 2026 3:02pm UTC
Domhnall Gleeson has recently opened up about his tenure as General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, expressing a desire to have explored the character’s deep-seated resentment and internal conflict more thoroughly. The actor noted that he felt there was significant untapped potential in the villain’s psyche, particularly before the character’s arc took a sharp, unexpected turn in the final installment of the Skywalker saga.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker.
The Evolution and Sudden End of a Sequel Villain
Throughout the three films, General Hux underwent a dramatic transformation. Initially introduced as a cold, calculating officer and a subordinate rival to Kylo Ren, his trajectory shifted drastically when he was revealed to be a mole working for the Resistance. This pivot, while intended to be a shocking plot twist, resulted in a swift and definitive conclusion for the character. Shortly after his betrayal was exposed, Hux was executed, cutting short the development of a character who had been a constant presence since the beginning of the trilogy.
This rapid exit left many fans and critics questioning the narrative choices made in Star Wars Episode 9: Rise of Skywalker. While the film faced broader criticism for its pacing and complex plot threads, the handling of Hux remains a point of contention. Even Gleeson himself has acknowledged that he had envisioned a more nuanced path for the First Order general, one that would have allowed for a deeper examination of his bitterness and motivations.
Why Character Depth Matters in Modern Franchises
In the landscape of modern blockbuster filmmaking, character consistency is paramount. According to recent industry data, audience satisfaction scores for long-running franchises often hinge on the “payoff” of secondary characters. When a character who has been built up over several years is discarded in a single scene, it can undermine the emotional stakes of the entire series. Much like a complex puzzle where the final piece doesn’t quite fit, the abrupt shift in Hux’s loyalty felt jarring to many viewers who had invested in his rivalry with Kylo Ren.
Gleeson’s comments highlight a common struggle in high-budget cinema: balancing the need for shocking plot developments with the necessity of satisfying character arcs. By focusing on the “bitterness” that defined Hux, the writers could have potentially turned his final moments into a more poignant commentary on the nature of power and betrayal within the First Order.
