New details concerning Supreme Leader Snoke's physical appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi have made their way online. The character was one of the more mysterious elements of The Force Awakens, and viewers have generated a plethora of theories about Snoke in the time since Episode VII debuted. With Andy Serkis back in the fold for the highly-anticipated sequel, many are excited to learn more about Snoke's history and rise to power in the upcoming film, and the hope is some (or all) of the lingering questions will be answered.
Juicy story details like those are of course being saved for the film itself, but that hasn't prevented Snoke from being part of the ever-growing collection of Episode VIII rumors. An earlier report stated the First Order ruler would be a combination of old school practical effects like puppets and the CGI that was used in Star Wars 7. Now, fans have a better idea about Snoke's rather extravagant lifestyle that seems to place a heavy value on material possessions.
According to Making Star Wars, Snoke has a brand new costume in The Last Jedi. In stark contrast to the Emperor-esque dark robes he wore in Force Awakens, this time the Supreme Leader sports a "gold silky robe" and slippers of the same color. His outfit is lined in red as well, so that should make for quite the interesting visual if this comes to be. This look is hinted at in the book The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, so it's something the filmmakers have been toying with for a while. In addition, Snoke has a "fancy ring" rumored to house a black Kyber crystal. Thanks to their inclusion in last year's Rogue One, Kyber has become an integral part of the franchise canon, so it's nice to see The Last Jedi find a spot for it.
Snoke is going to spend a majority of his Star Wars 8 screen time aboard a "Mega Destroyer" that will contain, among other things, his "palace." This new vehicle is said to be one of the largest ships ever seen in the series thus far, dwarfing just about anything a viewer can think of. In terms of technical specifications, it is powered by 10 double-stacked engines. The Mega Destroyer is essentially a "mobile command unit" that should be the First Order's main base of operations. Not much is known about Snoke's personal throne room at this point in time, but it's said to be "opulent." Based on the description of the ship, that may be an understatement. The original Imperial Star Destroyer could look like the Rebel blockade runner it once pursued in comparison.
Unsurprisingly, Snoke has his own team of guards referred to as "Praetorian Guards." There are supposedly six or eight of them on staff, and are the sequel trilogy's spin of Palpatine's old royal guards. The Praetorians wear "glossy red armor, shell plating, and matte red cloth elements for the capes." Each one wields their own weapon, and there's a variety of arms including nunchucks, a staff with two blades, and a sword. The guards will allegedly have an action sequence in The Last Jedi, so hopefully they are more than just cool-looking Star Wars villains. Making Star Wars speculates these could be the "black knights" that accompany Kylo Ren to Ahch-To (not the Knights of Ren) - a set piece that was rumored a while ago. However, nothing is confirmed right now.
These rumors also cover some other key antagonists from The Last Jedi: Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. The former is on a personal mission to prove himself to Snoke, following his embarrassing defeat at Starkiller base. Interestingly enough, the troubled Dark Side user isn't going to wear his helmet as often in Episode VIII, though he still should have one. Captain Phasma's new artillery has been covered already, and it thankfully isn't just for show. After disappointing many with her wasted role in Force Awakens, Phasma "actually fights this time" - an exciting proposition that should make up for one of Episode VII's shortcomings. They may have been dealt a crushing blow at Starkiller, but between all this and their new Gorilla walkers, the First Order remains a force to be reckoned with.
There's no telling at this point how much will be gleaned from the Last Jedi teaser that will be unveiled this week at Star Wars Celebration, but it stands reason to believe some of the film's villainy will be glimpsed at. Much of the Episode VIII conversation has understandably centered around Luke Skywalker and Rey, but Snoke, Kylo Ren, and the other baddies sound like they'll be just as intriguing as the saga continues this December.
Source: Making Star Wars
