Captain Phasma, portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, is one of the most enigmatic and imposing figures within the ranks of the First Order. Clad in reflective chromium armor, Phasma commands the First Order’s stormtroopers with an iron fist. Despite limited screen time in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the character leaves an indelible mark on the galaxy’s dark side through sheer presence and ruthless leadership.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Before joining the First Order, Phasma grew up on the harsh and desolate world of Parnassos. In the Phasma novel, a deeper look is given into the character’s background, revealing a survivor molded by the hostile environment. Phasma grew up in a tribal society where survival meant everything. That upbringing played a crucial role in shaping the character’s pragmatic and unrelenting personality. Parnassos was a place where only the strongest thrived, and that strength helped Phasma gain the attention of the First Order.
Phasma’s eventual encounter with Brendol Hux, a former Imperial officer and the father of General Armitage Hux, was a pivotal moment in her rise. The novel chronicles how Phasma assisted Brendol Hux after his crash landing on Parnassos. Demonstrating loyalty to power and seeing an opportunity to escape her desolate home, Phasma led Hux to safety and formed an alliance. Hux saw potential in Phasma’s ruthless efficiency, recruiting her into the First Order and paving the way for her rise through the military ranks.
The Commander of the First Order
Once integrated into the First Order’s military structure, Phasma swiftly ascended through the ranks, eventually being given command over the stormtrooper corps. Unlike traditional stormtroopers from the Galactic Empire, First Order stormtroopers were trained from birth, indoctrinated into loyalty, and subjected to rigorous conditioning. Phasma played a vital role in overseeing this process, ensuring that her soldiers were unwavering in their commitment to the First Order’s cause.
What sets Phasma apart from other commanders is the personal commitment to strength and survival. The signature armor made from the salvaged hull of Emperor Palpatine’s yacht serves as a literal and figurative shield. This chromium-plated armor not only provides superior protection but also symbolizes the desire for superiority and untouchability. Phasma commands the stormtroopers with cold precision, ensuring that loyalty and discipline are absolute.
Phasma’s leadership was instrumental during the First Order’s early assaults, including the destruction of the Hosnian system. Her brutal efficiency in combat situations makes her a terrifying figure to the Resistance.
The Clash with Finn
Phasma’s first on-screen appearance comes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where she oversees the training and deployment of stormtroopers. However, the most significant part of Phasma’s arc involves the stormtrooper who defies her — FN-2187, later known as Finn. Finn’s defection from the First Order presents a direct challenge to Phasma’s leadership and the control the First Order exerts over its soldiers.
In The Force Awakens, Phasma is responsible for lowering Starkiller Base’s shields, a key moment that leads to the base’s destruction. Forced into this action under threat from Finn, Han Solo, and Chewbacca, Phasma momentarily appears weak, but her drive for survival ensures a return in The Last Jedi.
Showdown on the Supremacy
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Phasma reappears, seeking to exact revenge on Finn for his betrayal. The confrontation takes place aboard the First Order’s massive flagship, the Supremacy, as the ship is about to be destroyed. In this climactic battle, Phasma faces Finn in single combat, an event that puts the two characters’ ideological differences on full display.
Phasma’s weapon of choice in this battle is the Sonn-Blas F-11D blaster rifle and an extendable baton, which she uses with deadly precision. The armor, which had shielded Phasma from blaster fire and explosions throughout many engagements, is once again tested during the fight. Despite this powerful armor, Finn manages to land a critical blow, sending Phasma into the fiery depths of the Supremacy.
The last glance shared between Phasma and Finn is a pivotal moment. In a way, Phasma represents everything Finn had rejected: the blind loyalty, the authoritarian rule, and the ruthless ambition that drives the First Order. This battle ends with Phasma seemingly meeting her demise in a sea of fire, but her enigmatic nature leaves room for speculation.
