General Armitage Hux

• Core Identity: General Armitage Hux is a high-ranking military officer of the First Order and a primary antagonist in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, notable for his fervent devotion to totalitarian ideology, his intense rivalry with Kylo Ren, and his ultimate betrayal of the regime he helped build.
• Key Takeaways:
• Clarification of Universe: It is critically important to note that General Hux is a character from the Star Wars Galaxy and has no connection whatsoever to the Marvel Universe, either in the Prime Comic Universe (Earth-616) or the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He is frequently a subject of crossover discussion but is not a Marvel property.
• Primary Role: Hux serves as the face of the First Order's military might, a ruthless and ambitious commander responsible for strategic operations, troop indoctrination, and the development of superweapons like Starkiller Base. His character arc explores the themes of fascist ambition, jealousy, and the self-destructive nature of internal power struggles within an authoritarian regime.
• Defining Conflict: His defining relationship is his acrimonious rivalry with Kylo Ren. This conflict represents the classic dichotomy between fanatical military doctrine (Hux) and mystical, dark-side power (Kylo Ren), with both vying for the favor of Supreme Leader Snoke and, later, control of the First Order itself.

General Armitage Hux was created by director J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt for the film Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). The character was conceived to embody the dogmatic, fanatical militarism of the First Order, serving as a direct contrast to the more esoteric and Force-driven menace of Kylo Ren. Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson was cast in the role. Gleeson brought a unique intensity to the character, portraying him not as a physically imposing warrior but as a shrill, ideologically possessed true believer. The creators drew visual and thematic inspiration from Nazi Germany, with Hux's impassioned speech before the firing of Starkiller Base deliberately evoking the propagandistic rallies of the Third Reich. This creative choice firmly established the First Order not merely as a successor to the Galactic Empire, but as a neo-fascist movement with a fervor bordering on religious zealotry. Initially, Hux was seen by many viewers as a more straightforward military villain in the vein of Grand Moff Tarkin. However, his development in The Last Jedi (2017) under director Rian Johnson added layers of dark comedy and pathos, emphasizing his pathetic ambition and making him a frequent target of ridicule from both Snoke and Kylo Ren. This evolution continued into The Rise of Skywalker (2019), where his character arc took a surprising turn, culminating in his role as a spy for the Resistance, driven not by a change of heart but by pure spite for his rival, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren. This complex and ultimately tragic trajectory has made him a subject of significant fan analysis and debate.

This encyclopedia's primary focus is the Marvel Multiverse. However, due to frequent search queries and fan discussions attempting to place General Hux within Marvel's continuity, this section provides a definitive clarification and outlines his canonical origin within his own native universe.

General Armitage Hux has no counterpart, variant, or presence within the Marvel Prime Comic Universe (Earth-616) or any of its designated alternate realities (e.g., Earth-1610, Earth-295). The Star Wars Galaxy and the Marvel Multiverse are separate fictional universes owned by The Walt Disney Company, but they have never had a canonical crossover in the primary comic continuity. While Marvel Comics has been the publisher of Star Wars comics since 2015, these stories are set “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” and do not intersect with the world of characters like Captain America, Iron Man, or the X-Men. The concept of a character like Hux in Earth-616 is intriguing. He would likely find a home in a totalitarian organization such as HYDRA, where his rigid ideology and ruthless ambition would be highly valued. His rivalry with a super-powered individual like Kylo Ren mirrors the dynamic between non-powered HYDRA commanders and enhanced assets like the Winter Soldier or even the tension between Baron Strucker and the mystically-inclined Red Skull. However, this remains purely speculative, as no such character exists in Marvel canon.

Armitage Hux's canonical origin is detailed in supplementary materials, primarily the novel Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson and the Aftermath trilogy by Chuck Wendig. He was born on the planet Arkanis in the final days of the Galactic Empire. His father was Commandant Brendol Hux, a ruthless and abusive Imperial officer who developed the insidious training programs for Imperial stormtroopers. Brendol Hux was a key figure in the secret Imperial contingency plan designed by Emperor Palpatine. Following the Empire's defeat at the Battle of Endor, Brendol was one of the chosen few who fled into the Unknown Regions aboard the command ship Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Executor. A young Armitage was an illegitimate son, and his father viewed him with contempt, seeing him as weak and unworthy. Despite the constant abuse, or perhaps because of it, Armitage developed a desperate need to prove his own strength and superiority. He was cunning and observant, internalizing his father's teachings on power, discipline, and the absolute necessity of order. He was a participant in the program that would eventually create the First Order's stormtrooper corps, children stolen from their families and indoctrinated from birth—a concept his father pioneered. As the First Order rose from the ashes of the Empire, Armitage's ambition grew. He conspired with another rising power, Captain Phasma, to assassinate his own father, cleanly removing his primary obstacle and usurping his position. This patricide was his final, brutal step into power. With his father gone, Armitage Hux rose rapidly through the military ranks, championed by Supreme Leader Snoke, who saw his fanatical devotion and technological prowess as a useful tool. Hux became the architect of the First Order's military machine, overseeing the Starkiller project and commanding its vast armies, forever driven by the deep-seated insecurities instilled in him by his cruel father.

General Hux is defined by a volatile mix of fervent belief, crippling insecurity, and venomous ambition. He is a true believer in the principles of the First Order: order, strength, and the obliteration of the “chaotic” New Republic. Unlike many Imperial officers who were cynical careerists, Hux possesses an almost religious devotion to his cause. This is most vividly displayed in his speech on Starkiller Base, where he works himself into a state of hysterical fury, spitting his words with a passion that is both charismatic and terrifying. Underneath this fanatical exterior lies a profound and pathetic insecurity. Having grown up under the thumb of an abusive father, Hux is desperate for validation and respect, particularly from figures of authority like Snoke. This desperation makes him exceptionally vulnerable to mockery and humiliation. When Snoke telekinetically slams him to the floor in The Last Jedi, or when Kylo Ren belittles him, his composure shatters, revealing the frightened child beneath the pristine uniform. His defining personality trait is his jealousy, primarily directed at Kylo Ren. He resents Kylo's privileged position as Snoke's apprentice and despises the “magic” of the Force, which he cannot comprehend or control. He sees it as a chaotic element that undermines the rigid, technological order he champions. This ideological and personal hatred fuels their rivalry and ultimately leads to his downfall. When Kylo Ren becomes Supreme Leader, Hux's ability to function is compromised; he cannot accept a reality where he serves his most hated rival. This leads to his ultimate act of betrayal—becoming a spy for the Resistance simply to see Kylo Ren lose.

Hux's strategic philosophy is built on the concept of overwhelming firepower and terror. He is a proponent of “superweapon” doctrine, believing that the ability to destroy entire planets or fleets in a single blow is the ultimate guarantor of galactic control.

• Starkiller Base: This is the pinnacle of Hux's philosophy. It was not merely a weapon but a statement of intent—a machine so powerful it could decapitate the New Republic by annihilating its capital and its defense fleet from across the galaxy. The operation was a tactical success, achieving its primary objective. However, it also revealed Hux's critical weakness: a lack of imagination and an over-reliance on a single, monumental asset. Like the Death Stars before it, Starkiller Base had a critical vulnerability that he, in his arrogance, overlooked, leading to its destruction by a small Resistance force.
• Fleet Command: As a fleet commander, Hux is competent but rigid. He understands naval formations and bombardment protocols, as seen in the initial attack on the Resistance base on D'Qar. However, he struggles with unconventional warfare. The slow-speed pursuit of the Resistance fleet in The Last Jedi showcases his inflexibility. He is unable to devise a creative solution to the problem, relying instead on a brute-force siege that bleeds the Resistance of resources but also exposes his flagship to a high-risk attack by Vice Admiral Holdo.
• Troop Indoctrination: Where Hux truly excels is in the training and indoctrination of his soldiers. Continuing his father's work, he perfected the system of raising stormtroopers from birth. This created an army of utterly loyal, highly skilled soldiers who knew nothing but service to the First Order. This psychological conditioning was arguably his most lasting and dangerous contribution to the regime.

Ultimately, Hux is a flawed commander. His strategic vision is grand but brittle, his tactical command is competent but inflexible, and his personal emotions—his rage, jealousy, and pride—frequently cloud his military judgment.

Hux's appearance is meticulously curated to project an image of authority and severe discipline.

• General's Uniform: His standard attire is a black, high-collared tunic with matching trousers and polished black boots. The design is sleek and severe, an evolution of the classic Imperial officer uniform. It is adorned with a silver rank insignia plaque on the left breast and a code cylinder in a pocket on his left arm. The uniform is impeccably tailored, reflecting his obsession with order and control.
• Greatcoat: In colder environments, such as on Starkiller Base, Hux wears a long, black greatcoat with a synthetic fur-lined collar. This adds an intimidating, almost aristocratic silhouette, further enhancing his image as a member of the First Order's elite.
• SE-44C Blaster Pistol: While he rarely engages in personal combat, Hux carries the standard-issue SE-44C blaster pistol worn by First Order officers. It is a testament to his position that he is almost never in a situation where he needs to use it, relying on his legions of stormtroopers to fight for him.

Hux is a deeply solitary and distrustful individual, making “allies” a complicated term. His relationships are almost exclusively transactional, built on shared goals rather than genuine camaraderie.

• Supreme Leader Snoke: Snoke is Hux's master and the object of his desperate quest for approval. Hux serves Snoke with absolute loyalty, seeing him as the visionary leader capable of restoring order to the galaxy. Snoke, in turn, values Hux as a counterbalance to Kylo Ren. He skillfully plays them against each other, using their rivalry to spur them both to greater acts of cruelty and ambition. However, Snoke holds Hux in thinly veiled contempt, viewing him as a useful but ultimately disposable “rabid cur.”
• Captain Phasma: Phasma is perhaps Hux's closest associate, though their relationship is one of mutual convenience. They were co-conspirators in the murder of Brendol Hux, an act that bound them together. As the commander of the stormtrooper corps, Phasma is Hux's direct subordinate and the enforcer of his will. They share a belief in brutal discipline and efficiency. However, their alliance is pragmatic; there is little evidence of personal loyalty or friendship between them.
• Allegiant General Pryde: In The Rise of Skywalker, General Pryde, a veteran of the Galactic Empire, becomes Hux's superior. Pryde represents the “old guard” of Imperial ideology. He quickly recognizes Hux's wavering loyalty and simmering resentment towards Kylo Ren. Their relationship is tense and professional, with Pryde easily outmaneuvering the younger officer and ultimately executing him for treason without a moment's hesitation.

Hux's world is defined by his enemies, both external and, more importantly, internal.

• Kylo Ren: This is the single most important relationship in Hux's life. His rivalry with Kylo Ren is a consuming obsession, a toxic blend of professional jealousy, ideological disagreement, and personal loathing. Hux sees Kylo as an undisciplined, emotionally volatile upstart who relies on “superstitious nonsense” instead of sound military strategy. Kylo, in turn, views Hux as an arrogant, incompetent bureaucrat whose authority is unearned. Their constant bickering and attempts to undermine one another provide a stark look at the internal rot at the heart of the First Order. This rivalry culminates in Hux's decision to become a mole, feeding intelligence to the Resistance solely to damage Kylo Ren's regime.
• The Resistance: As a collective, the Resistance represents everything Hux despises: chaos, sentimentality, and rebellion against his vision of a perfectly ordered galaxy. He pursues their destruction with a fanatical, impersonal hatred. He sees key figures like Poe Dameron and Leia Organa not as individuals, but as symbols of the disorder he is sworn to eradicate. His inability to finish them off is a constant source of professional and personal frustration.

• The First Order: Hux's primary and sole affiliation. He is not just a member; he is one of its principal architects. He was raised within the nascent organization and dedicated his entire life to its growth and eventual dominance. For Hux, the First Order is not merely a military or political entity; it is the ultimate expression of his worldview and the only source of his identity and power. His betrayal of the First Order is therefore not just an act of treason, but an act of self-destruction.

In his first appearance, General Hux is presented as the terrifying military leader of the First Order. His crowning achievement is the completion of Starkiller Base. He is the one who proposes and receives permission from Supreme Leader Snoke to use the weapon against the Hosnian system, the capital of the New Republic. His speech to the assembled legions of the First Order is his defining moment in the film—a chilling display of fascist rhetoric that culminates in the destruction of five planets. Throughout the film, he clashes repeatedly with Kylo Ren, questioning his methods and competing for Snoke's approval. He is last seen being ordered by Snoke to evacuate the collapsing base and bring the defeated Kylo Ren to him, a bitter pill for the general to swallow after the catastrophic loss of his superweapon.

This film systematically deconstructs Hux's authority and composure. It begins with him being comically outwitted by a prank call from Poe Dameron, an act that publicly humiliates him. Although he successfully destroys the Resistance base and much of their fleet, his command of the ensuing chase is unimaginative. He suffers further humiliation at the hands of Snoke, who psychically assaults him for Kylo Ren's failures. The turning point comes after Kylo Ren kills Snoke and declares himself the new Supreme Leader. Hux's immediate instinct is to draw his blaster and kill his rival, but he hesitates and is forced to submit. This moment plants the seed of his eventual betrayal. He is relegated to a subordinate role, forced to follow Kylo's impulsive commands during the Battle of Crait, his face a mask of barely concealed contempt.

The final chapter of the trilogy reveals the culmination of Hux's resentment. It is revealed that Emperor Palpatine has returned, creating the Final Order. Hux is sidelined in favor of Allegiant General Pryde, who has Palpatine's confidence. His power and influence now completely eroded, Hux makes a fateful decision. He becomes a spy for the Resistance, feeding them critical information that allows Finn, Poe, and Chewbacca to escape from Kylo Ren's Star Destroyer. When questioned, he confesses his motive with snarling clarity: “I don't care if you win. I need Kylo Ren to lose.” His treason is quickly discovered by General Pryde, who summarily executes him with a blaster shot to the chest. Hux's arc ends not with a bang, but with a pathetic and ignominious death, a fitting end for a man consumed by his own spite.

While the canonical portrayal by Domhnall Gleeson is the definitive version, Hux has appeared in other Star Wars media, which sometimes offer slightly different facets of his character.

• Star Wars Canon Novels & Comics: The novels, particularly Phasma and Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire, provide the most significant expansion of his character, detailing his traumatic childhood and his ruthless climb to power. These materials paint a much darker and more psychologically complex portrait than the films have time to explore, establishing the deep-seated motivations behind his on-screen behavior. Marvel's Poe Dameron comic series also features Hux, depicting his command from the First Order's perspective during events that run parallel to the films.
• LEGO Star Wars: In a much lighter, parodic take, the LEGO Star Wars specials and video games (like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga) portray Hux as an even more buffoonish and comically inept officer. His rivalry with Kylo Ren is played for laughs, emphasizing slapstick and childish squabbling over genuine menace. This version serves as a satirical commentary on his film persona.
• Star Wars Battlefront II (2017): General Hux appears in the single-player campaign resurrection content, where he is seen via hologram, commanding the First Order's forces. His depiction is consistent with his film appearances, serving as a commanding voice that directs the player's antagonists.

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