Captain Phasma

Captain Phasma is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, first appearing in the seventh film of the series, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015), and subsequently in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017). She is portrayed by actress Gwendoline Christie, best known for her role as Brienne of Tarth in the HBO series "Game of Thrones." The character is a high-ranking officer of the First Order, an organization that arose from the ashes of the Galactic Empire after its defeat following the events of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983).

Phasma's distinctive armor and imposing presence make her a visually striking part of the Star Wars galaxy. The character was created by director J.J. Abrams and the Star Wars design team, led by Michael Kaplan. Kaplan envisioned Phasma as a strong, powerful, and intimidating figure in the First Order hierarchy, and designed her suit accordingly. Her unique chrome-plated armor is made from the salvaged hull of a Naboo yacht once owned by Emperor Palpatine, symbolizing both her resourcefulness and her loyalty to the ideals of the fallen Empire.

In "The Force Awakens," Captain Phasma serves as the commander of the First Order's stormtroopers, responsible for their training and overall combat readiness. She is tasked with the supervision of FN-2187 (Finn) and becomes embroiled in the film's conflict when Finn defects from the First Order and subsequently captures her with the help of Han Solo and Chewbacca. Under duress, she lowers the shields of Starkiller Base, allowing the Resistance to attack and destroy it.

Phasma returns in "The Last Jedi" seeking revenge against Finn and fighting him in a one-on-one combat. The film ultimately sees her fall into a fiery pit after her battle with Finn, seemingly meeting her demise. However, her fate remains unconfirmed, and it is possible that she could return in future Star Wars stories.

Phasma's character and backstory were further expanded upon in various novels, comic books, and other media that compose the Star Wars canon outside of the films. In particular, the novel "Phasma" by Delilah S. Dawson delves into her origins on the harsh and unforgiving planet of Parnassos, where she was forced to become a ruthless and capable warrior in order to survive. Eventually, she is discovered by the First Order and offered a position in their ranks; she seizes the opportunity to escape her past, fashioning her distinct set of armor to stand out amongst her fellow stormtroopers.

As one of the first prominent female villains in the Star Wars film saga, Captain Phasma has garnered attention from fans and critics alike. The character's success has been attributed to her unique visual design, as well as Gwendoline Christie's commanding performance. While her role in the films is relatively limited in terms of screen time, her impact on the expanded universe and the broader Star Wars fandom has been significant.

Captain Phasma is a powerful antagonist in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and an iconic figure in the series' universe. Her story arc embodies themes of survival, ambition, and loyalty, and her presence in the films has broken ground for future female characters in the franchise. Her impact on the larger Star Wars mythology and the passion of its fans ensures that she will be a character long remembered in the history of the saga.