Domhnall Gleeson Reveals Regret Over General Hux’s Arc in Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

When it comes to the Star Wars sequel trilogy, debates regarding character arcs are as common as lightsabers in a skirmish. Now, actor Domhnall Gleeson is weighing in, admitting that he harbors specific regrets about how his character, General Hux, was handled across the three films. In a recent interview, the actor expressed that there was significant unrealized potential lurking beneath the uniform of the First Order commander.

Exploring the Bitterness of General Hux

Gleeson revealed that he felt the character could have been far more than just a secondary antagonist. He emphasized that the narrative missed an opportunity to explore the raw, genuine bitterness at the core of Hux’s psyche. According to the actor, the films leaned heavily into the performative nature of the villain, rather than showing the quiet, calculated menace that would have truly defined him.

The actor noted that Hux functioned like a “kicked dog”—a creature pushed to the brink of desperation and malice. His vision for the character included:

• Quiet, non-performative moments of reflection.
• A deeper dive into his psychological breakdown.
• Highlighting the genuine danger of an individual driven by pure resentment.

The Evolution and End of a First Order General

General Hux began as a key player in the First Order, locked in a fierce power struggle with Kylo Ren. As the trilogy progressed, his role took an unexpected turn, culminating in his revelation as a spy for the Resistance. However, his betrayal was not born of altruism, but rather a desire to usurp power from Kylo Ren, ultimately leading to his demise at the hands of General Pryde.

A kicked dog will end up attacking someone, and he is a kicked dog by the end of that sort of stuff. So I would have loved to go into that stuff, says Domhnall Gleeson.

Looking Beyond the Galaxy Far, Far Away

While the Star Wars journey ended with a blaster shot to the chest, Gleeson’s career has continued to thrive across various iconic franchises. Before and after his time as the First Order general, he has been a consistent presence in high-profile projects:

• Harry Potter: Portrayed the brave Bill Weasley.
• Critical Acclaim: Roles in films such as Ex Machina, The Revenant, and About Time.
• Television: Currently starring as Ned Sampson in The Paper, the popular spinoff of The Office.

Although General Hux may not have received the deep character study Gleeson envisioned, the actor’s reflection provides a fascinating look at the internal conflict that defines some of the most complex villains in cinema history.

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