It’s Star Wars Day, and after showing off some behind-the-scenes video footage of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and some gorgeous photos, the folks at Vanity Fair are now exclusively revealing the identity of Gwendoline Christie’s character: Captain Phasma.
We got our first glimpse of the chrome-clad Stormtrooper in the latest teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and rumors began swirling that it would be Brienne of Tarth herself under the mask. Those rumors have been confirmed by Vanity Fair, who also note that Captain Phasma is a member of the First Order – but isn’t necessarily a villain.
The quick glimpse of Captain Phasma from the latest trailer was great, but now that we have a much more detailed image to dissect, I’m leaning toward this being my favorite of the new character designs we’ve seen so far. The dark cape is a great complement to the chrome-plated armor, and we expect her to exude plenty of menace onscreen. It’s a shame this photo doesn’t include that enormous weapon she was carrying as she stalked through the hallways of the Millennium Falcon, but we’re guessing there will be plenty of opportunity for her to use it in the film.
There have been other rumors circulating since December that suggest Captain Phasma would be tasked with hunting down Finn (John Boyega) after he abandons his duties as a Stormtrooper – which certainly sounds villainous. But if the Star Wars universe has taught us anything, it’s that you never know when allegiances might change. Could she eventually be convinced to turn against the First Order and join the Resistance?
With a cast that includes original Star Wars cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, as well as newcomers John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens on December 18.
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