The First Order emerged as a dominant force after the fall of the Galactic Empire. Within its ranks, two of its most prominent leaders clashed in a bitter rivalry: Kylo Ren and General Armitage Hux. Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, was the dark apprentice of Supreme Leader Snoke and a warrior driven by conflict and ambition. General Hux, portrayed by Domhnall Gleeson, was a calculating officer who sought control through military precision. The tension between these two characters shaped the internal power dynamics of the First Order.
Kylo Ren’s Path to Power
Kylo Ren was born as Ben Solo, the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo. Trained as a Jedi under Luke Skywalker, Ben fell to the dark side after being manipulated by Supreme Leader Snoke. Taking on the name Kylo Ren, he became the leader of the Knights of Ren and a key enforcer of Snoke’s will.
The dark side fueled Kylo’s ambitions. Conflict defined his identity. Torn between his connection to his family and his devotion to the dark side, Kylo sought to prove his strength to Snoke. Wielding a unique crossguard lightsaber with an unstable red blade, Kylo became a symbol of fear. This lightsaber reflected his fractured state and unbridled rage.
General Hux’s Rise Through the Ranks
General Hux was the son of Brendol Hux, a loyal Imperial officer who helped create the First Order. Born into privilege, Hux inherited his father’s loyalty to the remnants of the Empire. A strong believer in discipline, Hux dedicated himself to building the First Order’s military might. The Starkiller Base project became Hux’s crowning achievement, a weapon capable of destroying entire star systems.
Hux held no Force abilities but relied on cunning and intellect to maintain his position. Unlike Kylo Ren’s chaotic nature, Hux operated with cold calculation. This difference created an immediate tension between them.
Rivalry Ignites During Starkiller Base’s Operation
The destruction of the Hosnian system by Starkiller Base marked a significant victory for the First Order. Hux’s speech before the weapon’s activation displayed his fervent loyalty and disdain for the Resistance. Kylo Ren, focused on capturing Rey and finding the map to Luke Skywalker, often dismissed Hux’s achievements.
Their rivalry became evident as each sought Snoke’s favor. Kylo’s impulsive behavior clashed with Hux’s structured methods. Hux viewed Kylo’s emotional instability as a threat to the First Order. Kylo, in turn, saw Hux as a rival unworthy of Snoke’s attention.
When Starkiller Base was destroyed during the Resistance’s daring assault, the failure deepened the tension. Hux barely escaped with Kylo and reported to Snoke. Blame shifted between them, further straining their working relationship.
The Power Struggles on the Supremacy
Supreme Leader Snoke’s command ship, the Supremacy, became the stage for heightened conflict. Snoke favored Kylo Ren but also trusted Hux’s military leadership. This created an unstable balance of power.
Kylo’s obsession with finding Rey and solidifying his connection to the dark side caused him to act recklessly. Hux, concerned with maintaining order, grew increasingly frustrated with Kylo’s failures. Their arguments often occurred in front of officers, exposing the division within the First Order’s leadership.
When Kylo killed Snoke during the events on the Supremacy, the power vacuum intensified the rivalry. Kylo declared himself the new Supreme Leader. Hux, shocked by Snoke’s sudden death, contemplated seizing control. However, Kylo’s use of the Force made any challenge impossible. Despite this, Hux secretly began plotting against the new Supreme Leader.
The Final Days of the First Order
The internal struggle between Kylo Ren and General Hux continued during the conflict with the Resistance. Hux’s resentment grew as Kylo’s erratic leadership jeopardized the First Order’s goals. The arrival of Emperor Palpatine’s message from Exegol shifted the focus. Hux realized the power dynamics had changed once again.
Hux later revealed his true intentions when he betrayed the First Order to the Resistance. This act was not driven by loyalty to the Resistance but by hatred for Kylo Ren. Allegiance to the First Order meant less to Hux than seeing Kylo fail. Allegiances within the First Order fractured further as a result.
Legacy of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Kylo Ren and General Hux symbolized the internal chaos of the First Order. Both characters sought control, but their conflicting methods undermined their effectiveness. Kylo’s emotional instability and Hux’s ambition created a power struggle that defined much of the First Order’s leadership.
Kylo’s journey ultimately led to redemption as Ben Solo. Hux’s betrayal marked his end. Despite their differences, both characters contributed to the First Order’s rise and fall. Their conflict showcased the fragility of the dark side’s hierarchies and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
