General Pryde is a significant figure within the First Order’s command structure, rising to prominence during the events of the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga. Played by actor Richard E. Grant, Pryde is depicted as a ruthless and calculating military leader who represents the full force of Imperial tradition in the new era of galactic conflict. Pryde’s allegiance to the First Order, as well as to its ultimate leader, Emperor Palpatine, makes this character a key figure in the First Order’s war against the Resistance.
Early Career and Imperial Ties
General Pryde’s background ties directly to the Empire, making this character one of the few leaders within the First Order who has direct experience serving under the old regime. Pryde served the Galactic Empire under Emperor Palpatine before its downfall, holding a command position during the time of the original Galactic Civil War. This history forged a deep loyalty to Palpatine and his Imperial vision, influencing Pryde’s later actions when the Emperor resurfaced during the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
As a former officer of the Empire, Pryde retained a strong commitment to the idea of order and control through military might. Pryde’s experience in the Imperial ranks made this leader well-suited to the role within the First Order, where the remnants of the Empire’s ideals were still alive. These Imperial ties gave Pryde a sense of superiority over the newer officers of the First Order, leading to a reputation as a strict and authoritative commander who valued discipline above all else.
Leadership in the First Order
Pryde’s role in the First Order rose sharply after the death of Supreme Leader Snoke and the ascension of Kylo Ren to leadership. With the First Order in a state of transition, Pryde became a vital part of its military operations. Known for ruthless efficiency, Pryde commanded respect and fear from the officers and soldiers under his command. His reputation as a hardliner within the First Order’s ranks was well-deserved, as he believed in using overwhelming force to crush opposition.
Kylo Ren, despite being Supreme Leader, struggled with internal conflicts and wavering authority. Pryde stepped in as a stabilizing force, ensuring the First Order’s operations continued without disruption. Pryde’s disciplined approach and strategic thinking helped maintain the First Order’s momentum in their war against the Resistance.
Alliance with Emperor Palpatine
The turning point for Pryde’s character came when Emperor Palpatine revealed his return. As one of the few in the First Order with a direct link to Palpatine’s original Empire, Pryde immediately pledged allegiance to the resurrected Sith Lord. This loyalty was not just out of duty, but out of deep belief in Palpatine’s vision for galactic domination. Pryde saw Palpatine’s return as a chance to restore the Empire’s greatness, a goal that aligned perfectly with his own ambitions.
Pryde became one of Palpatine’s key enforcers, receiving command of the Sith Eternal fleet—an armada hidden on Exegol that was poised to annihilate the Resistance and bring the galaxy under Palpatine’s rule once more. This fleet, armed with planet-destroying capabilities, became the cornerstone of Pryde’s military strategy as he worked to finalize the First Order’s victory over the galaxy.
Unlike other First Order officers, who were born into the regime or trained in its doctrines, Pryde’s loyalty to Palpatine came from personal experience, making this character a vital asset to the Emperor’s plans.
General Pryde’s Role in The Final Battle
In The Rise of Skywalker, General Pryde takes center stage in leading the First Order’s final push to destroy the Resistance. As a seasoned military tactician, Pryde orchestrated several key offensives, including the deployment of the Sith fleet against the Resistance forces. Pryde’s efficiency and cold calculation were evident in the way these operations were carried out, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice countless lives to achieve victory.
Pryde operated from the bridge of the Steadfast, a Resurgent-class Star Destroyer that he commanded with precision and an iron grip. Under Pryde’s command, the Steadfast became the flagship of the First Order’s fleet in the decisive battle over Exegol. Throughout this conflict, Pryde remained focused on eradicating the Resistance, unflinchingly executing Palpatine’s orders.
During the final battle, Pryde’s resolve never wavered, even as the tide of war began to turn against the First Order. The character’s determination to carry out Palpatine’s plans persisted to the very end, showing the depth of his loyalty to the Imperial cause.
Ruthlessness and Calculated Strategy
General Pryde stood out within the First Order for an unwavering belief in the necessity of brute force and fear to maintain control. Where leaders like General Hux displayed personal ambition and duplicity, Pryde remained a figure of cold, methodical calculation. Pryde saw the galaxy as something to be ruled through discipline and destruction, with no tolerance for weakness or dissent.
In many ways, Pryde’s approach to warfare reflected the brutal tactics employed by the Empire during its height. This included a willingness to deploy superweapons, such as the fleet of Star Destroyers equipped with planet-destroying cannons, which Pryde believed would finally crush the Resistance. Such ruthless strategies were a hallmark of Pryde’s leadership style, setting this character apart from others within the First Order, who often faltered due to personal rivalries or overconfidence.
Legacy of General Pryde
Though General Pryde met his end in the Battle of Exegol when the Steadfast was destroyed by Resistance forces, the legacy of this character endures. Pryde embodied the unrelenting drive of the Imperial cause, representing the old guard who never gave up on the ideals of the Empire. His devotion to Emperor Palpatine and his willingness to do whatever it took to see the galaxy brought under control made Pryde one of the most fearsome leaders in the First Order’s hierarchy.
Pryde’s influence can be seen in how the First Order operated during its final days, with an emphasis on absolute power and destruction as the means to achieving dominance. As a leader who served both the Empire and the First Order, Pryde’s role connects the two eras, bridging the gap between the fallen Empire and its resurgence under the First Order’s banner.
Ultimately, Pryde’s story highlights the persistence of the Imperial ideology, even in the face of repeated defeats. The character’s adherence to these ideals ensured that Pryde would be remembered as one of the most formidable adversaries the Resistance ever faced in their battle for freedom across the galaxy.
