Star Wars: 7 Things Revealed About Snoke Since The Last Jedi (And 3 That Need Answering)

6. Snoke Was Never Meant To Be First Order Leader

When the Force Awakens came out, many thought Snoke had always intended to orchestrate the First Order’s rise to power. Emperor Palpatine’s death opened up a power vacuum and Snoke’s evil vibes suggested it had always been his plan to rise up and take over with Kylo Ren, a Skywalker apprentice, by his side.

However, thanks to The Last Jedi novelisation, we know this was not the case. Snoke taking control of the First Order was merely the result of his own cunning tenancies and his determination to wipe out the competition. Gallius Rax, Sloane and Ormes Apolin were all expected to take over, with General Hux’s father, Brendol Hux, another contender.

Yet Snoke either cut them out or murdered them on his rise to power. Emperor Palpatine’s Operation Cinder was meant to ensure the fragmented Empire go on but, despite being aware of Snoke’s power, he never expected Andy Serkis’ guy to be the one to take control.

Snoke’s power is also stressed in this novel nugget. Palpatine sensing Snoke suggests the character carries a dark aura about him that only the most evil and powerful Jedi could sense. However, it was only when it was too late could he sense what Snoke intended to do.