How Gleeson Prepared for Hux's Final Moments
Domhnall Gleeson, the actor who portrayed the ambitious and often frustrated Admiral Armitage Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has shared his personal thoughts on his character's demise in The Rise of Skywalker. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Gleeson discussed how he processed the narrative conclusion for Hux, a role he played across three films from The Force Awakens to the final chapter. His comments come amid ongoing fan debate about the sequel trilogy's direction and character arcs.
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Cinema Eye Honors Unveil 2027 Documentary NominationsGleeson admitted that while he understood the storytelling reasons behind Hux's death, he initially felt a sense of disappointment about how the character's journey concluded. He noted that Hux's arc, which began with fervent loyalty to the First Order and ended with betrayal and a ignominious end, felt abrupt to him as an actor invested in the role. However, Gleeson also expressed appreciation for the complexity of playing a character who embodied both zealotry and deep insecurity, acknowledging that the role allowed him to explore a villain driven by fear and a desperate need for validation rather than pure malice.
What Does Hux's Death Mean for the Star Wars Narrative?
To portray Hux's last scenes authentically, Gleeson said he focused on the character's internal conflict rather than just the external action. He worked closely with director J. J. Abrams to capture the moment when Hux's allegiance shifts, emphasizing the mixture of relief and terror in his final act of defiance against Kylo Ren. Gleeson revealed that he drew inspiration from historical figures who experienced dramatic falls from power, using those psychological studies to inform Hux's mindset in his final minutes. The actor also mentioned that filming the scene was emotionally taxing, requiring him to balance physical performance with the subtle conveyance of a lifetime of ambition collapsing in an instant.
Gleeson offered his perspective on how Hux's death fits into the broader themes of the sequel trilogy. He suggested that the character's end serves as a commentary on the dangers of blind ambition and the toxic nature of authoritarian systems that consume their own. According to Gleeson, Hux's fate underscores the idea that those who build their identity on hatred and service to a corrupt cause often find themselves discarded when they cease to be useful. He believes this narrative choice, while perhaps unsatisfying to some fans seeking redemption, reinforces the trilogy's exploration of how fear and insecurity can lead individuals down destructive paths.
Did Domhnall Gleeson enjoy playing Admiral Hux despite the character's fate? Yes, Gleeson has stated that he found the role deeply rewarding to play, appreciating the opportunity to portray a complex villain whose motivations stemmed from insecurity and a craving for approval rather than simple evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Hux's death in The Rise of Skywalker changed during filming? Gleeson did not indicate that the scene was altered significantly from the script, though he noted that collaborative discussions with the director helped refine the emotional beats of the moment.
How does Gleeson view fan reactions to Hux's storyline? He acknowledged that fan opinions on the sequel trilogy vary widely but expressed hope that audiences can appreciate the thematic intent behind Hux's arc, even if they disagree with its execution.