Nearly seven years after the conclusion of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Domhnall Gleeson has offered a candid reflection on the fate of General Armitage Hux. Speaking in a September 2026 interview, the actor described the character’s sudden exit in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker as “absolutely devastating.”
The character, who served as a primary antagonist in the first two films of the trilogy, met an unceremonious end after being revealed as a Resistance spy. Gleeson acknowledged that while he understood the narrative requirements of the film—noting that the filmmakers “had to” kill the character—the personal experience of bowing out was difficult. “I wanted to be in it more,” Gleeson admitted.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Hux’s motivation for aiding the Resistance was revealed to be a petty desire to see Kylo Ren lose rather than a moral redemption. Shortly after this revelation, General Hux’s death occurred at the hands of Richard E. Grant’s General Pryde, a moment that remains a point of discussion among fans regarding the character’s overall trajectory.
The ‘Summer of Domhnall’ 2026
Gleeson’s reflections come in the midst of a significant career surge, often referred to in entertainment circles as the “Summer of Domhnall.” The actor is currently navigating a packed press circuit for multiple high-profile projects. On September 3, 2026, he appeared at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival for the premiere of the Werner Herzog film Bucking Fastard.
The actor is also gearing up for the theatrical release of the comedy The Incomer, scheduled for September 25, 2026. To portray the character Daniel in the film, Gleeson underwent a notable physical transformation, maintaining a perm hairstyle for five months during production.
Beyond the big screen, Gleeson continues to lead the cast of The Paper, the Peacock original series and reboot of The Office, which is currently heading into its second season. His recent work has also crossed into the music industry; he appeared in the self-directed music video for Taylor Swift’s song “Opalite.”
While his time in the Star Wars galaxy ended abruptly, Gleeson’s current trajectory suggests a move toward more varied roles, spanning high-concept drama, television comedy, and experimental cinema.
