Supreme Leader Snoke: Origins, Power, and Legacy in Star Wars

When Supreme Leader Snoke first appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he instantly became one of the most mysterious and talked-about characters in the newly formed Sequel Trilogy. Towering, scarred, and steeped in the dark side of the Force, Snoke seemed poised to be the next great villain in a galaxy far, far away. But as the trilogy unfolded, his origins, motivations, and even his true identity left us all divided—and full of questions.

Today, we're gonna dive deep into the enigma of Snoke. Who was he, really? Was he a Sith Lord? A puppet of Palpatine? Where did he come from, and what role did he play in shaping the rise of the First Order and the fall of Ben Solo?

We've gotten quite a bit of info on Snoke over the years from The Rise of Kylo Ren to The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, so we've brought together the most accurate and complete picture of Snoke’s story based on every one of those tales. As we unravel his background, abilities, and legacy, we’ll also explore bigger Star Wars themes like manipulation, identity, and the enduring shadow of the Sith.

Snoke may have been destroyed, but his influence on the galaxy—and on Star Wars fandom—still lingers. Let’s uncover the truth behind the dark side’s most haunting figure of the sequel era.

Who is Supreme Leader Snoke?

What is Snoke? A Clone, Puppet, or Sith Lord?

Youtini Illustration

Supreme Leader Snoke wasn’t born—he was made. In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it’s revealed that Snoke is a strandcast, a genetically engineered being created by the Sith Eternal cult on the hidden world of Exegol. He wasn’t his own person, but a puppet controlled by Emperor Palpatine, designed to manipulate events from the shadows after the fall of the Empire.

Despite his title and power, Snoke was never officially a Sith Lord. While he wielded the dark side of the Force with great strength, he lacked the full training, lineage, and title that define a Sith. Now obviously that hasn’t stopped some of us from calling him things like “Darth Snoke,” “Emperor Snoke,” or “General Snoke”, but those titles are more guesswork than official Canon.

Now the moment that this reveal happened, so many folks wondered if Snoke had instantly become a wasted opportunity. Some hoped he would be revealed as Darth Plagueis, the legendary Sith master once hinted at by Palpatine himself in Revenge of the Sith.

Luckily, we ended up getting a proper Plaugies in The Acolyte just a few years later.

Others preferred the idea of Snoke being an entirely new threat. While the truth—that he was an extension of Palpatine’s will—answered some questions, it has to be acknowledged that this reality left plenty of folks wondering what might have been.

Snoke vs. Palpatine: Are They the Same?

Technically, no—Snoke and Palpatine are not the same person. But they’re closely connected. Palpatine created Snoke to act as a puppet leader for the First Order, allowing him to influence galactic events without revealing he had survived.

Youtini Illustration

One of the most telling moments comes in The Rise of Skywalker, when Palpatine tells Kylo Ren, “I have been every voice you have ever heard inside your head.” This line—delivered in Snoke’s voice, then Vader’s, and finally Palpatine’s—confirms that Snoke was a vessel used to control and corrupt Ben Solo from afar.

Nonetheless, this hasn't stopped plenty of theories from popping up over the years. Some still argue Snoke had his own personality, or was at least semi-autonomous. Others believe Palpatine’s control was absolute. However, Canon sources absolutely make it clear: Snoke was a creation and a tool, not a rival. The mystery added depth to his character, but also blurred the line between villain and victim.

How Tall is Snoke?

Believe it or not, Snoke’s height is one of the most commonly searched details about him—and for good reason. On screen, he appears massive, especially in his first appearance via hologram in The Force Awakens, and I'm not gonna lie...I did wonder if Kylo Ren had been trained by a giant the first time I had seen him.

Youtini Illustration

Nonetheless, according to official sources, Snoke’s canonical height is 7’2” (218 cm), making him taller than Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Darth Sidious.

The exaggerated size seen in his holographic projection was a deliberate choice meant to enhance his presence and intimidation factor, not a reflection of actual size. Once we see him in person in The Last Jedi, his height is still imposing—but not quite the towering giant he first appeared to be.

However, Snoke’s tall, frail frame added to his mystique, making him visually distinct from other Star Wars villains who all carried a similarly menacing stature. And you gotta admit that his golden bathrobe also made his brutal power, especially with the Force, even more surprising.

Snoke's Origins and Rise to Power

Creation on Exegol

Snoke was born not through nature, but through dark science and twisted purpose. Deep in the Unknown Regions, on the hidden Sith world of Exegol, the cult known as the Sith Eternal carried out genetic experiments to create a vessel that could serve the will of a reborn Palpatine. This process involved strandcasting—a form of cloning designed to produce Force-sensitive beings.

One might say it was a process that some would consider to be...unnatural.

Lucasfilm

The results were gruesome. The Rise of Skywalker shows us failed Snoke clones floating lifeless in vats, malformed and unusable. Snoke was the only strandcast to survive and function as intended. But even his existence wasn’t fully independent—he was manipulated by Palpatine at every step, acting as a puppet leader meant to draw attention away from the true Sith Lord hiding in the shadows.

Snoke was part of Palpatine’s contingency plan, set in motion after the fall of the Empire and expanded even more in Chuck Wending's Aftermath trilogy as well as Adam Christopher's Shadow of the Sith. If the Empire was destroyed, Palpatine ensured his legacy—and power—would live on through hidden followers, secret fleets, and new pawns like Snoke.

Snoke’s Role in Building the First Order

After the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi, Imperial remnants fled to the Unknown Regions. There, with the help of mysterious navigational data and guidance from the Sith Eternal, the seeds of a new power began to grow. Snoke emerged not as a general, but as a spiritual leader, one who inspired loyalty, fear, and obedience.

Snoke’s leadership wasn’t built on military strategy—figures like General Hux filled that role. Instead, he provided the ideological backbone of the First Order, preaching order through strength and using the dark side to manipulate those under his command.

This mix of mystery and menace made Snoke the perfect front for a hidden Sith resurgence. While the galaxy thought he was in charge, the real architect was still pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Youtini Illustration

His Obsession with Legacy and Bloodlines

One of Snoke’s greatest obsessions was lineage—specifically, the power held within the Skywalker bloodline. He believed in a natural balance between light and dark, and he saw that balance personified in Ben Solo, the grandson of Darth Vader and the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo.

Snoke worked patiently and methodically to manipulate Ben from afar, whispering doubts, sowing mistrust, and encouraging his dark tendencies. In The Rise of Kylo Ren comic series, we learn that Snoke posed as a friend and mentor, slowly turning Ben against Luke Skywalker and the Jedi.

To Snoke, Ben wasn’t just a student—he was a key to shaping the galaxy’s future. His fall was essential to Snoke’s plan, and possibly even Palpatine’s return. By corrupting the Skywalker legacy, Snoke hoped to solidify the First Order’s rule and extinguish the light for good.

This obsession with legacy connects Snoke to a long tradition of Sith thinking: that power must be passed down, controlled, and shaped through bloodlines and chosen heirs. But in the end, it was that same obsession that led to his downfall.

Snoke's Role in the Sequel Trilogy

“There Has Been an Awakening…”

Supreme Leader Snoke makes his first on-screen appearance in The Force Awakens, introduced as the mysterious and commanding figure behind the rise of the First Order. His deep, gravelly voice and massive holographic presence immediately set the tone—Snoke was a force to be reckoned with, both literally and politically.

At the center of Snoke’s plan was Kylo Ren who was revealed as Ben Solo during Snoke's first scene. We now know that Snoke had long been manipulating Kylo, drawing him toward the dark side by exploiting his fear, anger, and complex legacy as the grandson of Darth Vader. During their initial conversation in The Force Awakens, Snoke pulls on that bond and instructs Kylo to eliminate both his father, Han Solo, and the last Jedi, Luke Skywalker, solidifying his loyalty to the First Order and the dark side.

Snoke also oversaw the use of Starkiller Base, a terrifying superweapon capable of destroying entire star systems. Under his leadership, the First Order unleashed destruction on a scale the galaxy hadn’t seen since the Death Star, marking Snoke’s rule with fear and overwhelming power. His influence helped turn the First Order from a mere idea of a remnant into a horrifying galactic threat.

“Darkness Rises, and Light to Meet It”

In The Last Jedi, Snoke plays a far more personal and sinister role. He deepens his manipulation of Kylo Ren while also taking an interest in Rey, the last hope of the Jedi and the light side of the Force. Through the Force, Snoke creates a powerful bond between Rey and Kylo, allowing them to see and communicate with each other across vast distances. He uses this connection to test both of them, hoping to pull Rey toward the dark and push Kylo deeper still.

Youtini Illustration

One of Snoke’s most iconic scenes takes place in his throne room, where he confronts Rey directly after she gives herself up in the hope that Ben Solo will emerge from the depths of Kylo Ren. Confident in his power and convinced of his control, Snoke mocks her belief in Kylo’s redemption and prepares to have her executed.

Lucasfilm

But in a shocking twist, Kylo turns his lightsaber on Snoke, killing him in one of the trilogy’s most unexpected and incredible moments.

When that lightsaber ignited on opening night, it was one of the most electric theatergoing experiences of my life. I was stunned and exhilarated in equal measure and knew that I was about to watch one of the greatest fight scenes in the entire saga soon after.

It was only after I left the theater that I found out that this moment sparked intense debate. Some folks like me praised the bold storytelling, while others felt Snoke’s death cut short a promising villain. Was he a stepping stone for Kylo Ren’s rise, or a missed opportunity? Either way, his sudden demise shifted the balance of power in the sequel trilogy and raised even more questions about who Snoke truly was—and who was really behind the First Order.

And then...somehow...Palpatine returned, and Snoke's origin was revealed to put together the rest of his enigmatic puzzle.

The Aftermath: Snoke’s Legacy

Supreme Leader Kylo Ren

Snoke’s death in The Last Jedi wasn’t just a shocking twist—it was a turning point for Kylo Ren. In killing his master, Kylo broke free from the control Snoke held over him and declared himself the new Supreme Leader of the First Order. This act of betrayal mirrored the classic Sith apprentice-master dynamic, where the student must destroy the teacher to fully embrace their power.

But unlike traditional Sith, Kylo didn’t follow their code. He wasn’t trying to become the next Darth Vader in title—he wanted to leave the past behind and build something new. Snoke’s death gave him that chance, at least for a while. It allowed Kylo to seize control and push the First Order forward on his own terms, without someone else pulling the strings… or so he thought.

Lucasfilm

Uncovering the Truth

In The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren uncovers the terrifying truth: Snoke was never in control. On Exegol, Kylo finds tanks filled with failed Snoke clones and comes face-to-face with a resurrected Emperor Palpatine. The line “I made Snoke” confirmed one of the more popular theories that some folks had a hard time accepting—Snoke was a puppet, a strandcast created by Palpatine to manipulate events from the shadows.

Snoke wasn’t meant to be the final villain. He was a test, a mask worn by the true master to shape Kylo into a worthy heir—or to break him entirely. Everything Kylo thought he had chosen, every moment of power, was orchestrated from behind the scenes. Snoke’s legacy, in the end, was not one of independence but of manipulation.

Was Snoke a Wasted Character?

Youtini Illustration

This reveal led to one of the most debated questions in modern Star Wars fandom: Was Snoke a wasted character? I'll be honest...I'm still a little bit split.

On the one hand, I absolutely think that his surprise death in The Last Jedi was bold storytelling that pushed the saga in a fresh direction. The choice to let Kylo Ren have an opportunity to become a new Darth Vader before our very eyes was sensational. On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of build-up to his origin and the sudden shift back to Palpatine.

This conversation also made its way through the creative team as director Rian Johnson, who helmed The Last Jedi, said that killing Snoke was essential to let Kylo Ren become the main villain. Actor Andy Serkis, who portrayed Snoke through motion capture, admitted he was surprised by the decision but respected the creative risk.

Still, many fans wish Snoke had been more than just a placeholder villain. Some hoped he’d be revealed as Darth Plagueis, tying back to prequel lore. Others just wanted more time to explore his powers, philosophy, and origins.

But either way, his fate has been sealed, and even if you don't agree with the twist it took at the end, you can always appreciate the gravitas he carried throughout his brief existence.

Cultural Impact and Fan Reactions

How Fans Have Responded to Snoke

Few characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy have sparked as much debate as Supreme Leader Snoke. Nearly everywhere you look, fans have been trying to make sense of his identity, purpose, and legacy since his first appearance in The Force Awakens.

Youtini Illustration

One of the most popular theories early on was that Snoke was Darth Plagueis, the mysterious Sith Lord who supposedly discovered how to cheat death. This idea gained traction because of Palpatine’s cryptic story in Revenge of the Sith, which hinted at Plagueis’s influence over life and death. Many fans believed Snoke’s scarred face and ancient appearance supported this theory.

Other creative (and mildly insane) fan theories included:

• Snoke is Mace Windu, having survived Revenge of the Sith and fallen to the dark side.

• Snoke is Ezra Bridger, twisted by his time in the Unknown Regions.

• Snoke is a brand-new dark side entity, older than the Sith themselves.

After The Rise of Skywalker revealed Snoke as a puppet of Palpatine, reactions were mixed. Some fans appreciated the connection and the idea that Palpatine had never truly left the game. Others felt that the twist cheapened Snoke’s presence and made his earlier mystique feel hollow.

While I didn't exactly want Snoke to be revealed as secret Mace or a returned Ezra, I can't help but wishing all these years later that he had been slightly more than a puppet. But then again, when you're dealing with Darth Sidious, the most powerful Sith Lord in history, it's hard to argue against his pure, unadulterated power.

Snoke and Mirrors: Behind the Scenes

Creating Snoke wasn’t just a story decision—it was also a technical and artistic challenge. Brought to life through motion capture by actor Andy Serkis, Snoke was designed to be both alien and eerily familiar.

Lucasfilm

The character’s appearance drew from a mix of influences from Peter Cushing's intense, gaunt facial structure to the visible injuries that gave him an aura of real-world suffering. These visual choices helped Snoke stand apart from previous Star Wars villains and gave him a sense of potential vulnerability.

He wasn’t armored like Vader or cloaked like Palpatine. Instead, he exuded quiet menace—sickly, ancient, and commanding through sheer presence.

Behind the scenes, the visual effects team at ILM pushed the limits of CGI and motion capture to make Snoke feel lifelike. The result was a villain who, even with limited screen time, made a lasting impact on fans and critics alike.

Lucasfilm

Collectibles and Merchandising

Notable Snoke Collectibles

Even though Supreme Leader Snoke only appeared in two Star Wars films, he left a strong impression—one that’s been captured in several high-quality collectibles. From detailed action figures to LEGO sets and premium statues, Snoke merchandise gives fans a way to own a piece of the sequel trilogy’s dark side.

LEGO/Black Series/Funko

Here are some of the best Snoke collectibles if you want to adorn your shelves with the Supreme Leader:

• Black Series 6” Supreme Leader Snoke (Hasbro)
  This highly detailed action figure features Snoke in his gold robe, complete with articulation and a throne room display chair (in the deluxe version). It’s a favorite among collectors for its screen-accurate sculpt and accessories.

• LEGO Star Wars Snoke’s Throne Room (Set #75216)
  This playset recreates the iconic throne room scene from The Last Jedi, featuring minifigures of Snoke, Kylo Ren, Rey, and two Praetorian Guards. It’s both a fun build and a display-worthy piece for LEGO and Star Wars fans. Unfortunately, the set was officially retired, so Snoke minifig hunters may have to check out our Ultimate LEGO Sets Guide for tips on finding retired sets.

• Funko Pop! Supreme Leader Snoke
  A stylized take on the character, perfect for casual collectors. Multiple versions exist, including a holographic variant.

FAQs About Supreme Leader Snoke

1. Who is Snoke in Star Wars?
Supreme Leader Snoke is a dark side Force user who leads the First Order in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Though he appears powerful and mysterious, he is later revealed to be a strandcast—an artificial being created by Palpatine to serve as a puppet ruler.

2. Where did Snoke come from?
Snoke was created in secret on Exegol, the hidden home of the Sith Eternal cult. He was engineered by Palpatine using genetic manipulation and cloning technology to carry out his will after the fall of the Empire.

3. Is Snoke Palpatine?
No, Snoke is not Palpatine. However, Palpatine controlled Snoke’s actions and even spoke through him using the Force.

4. Was Snoke a Sith?
Canonically, Snoke was not a Sith Lord. While he used many dark side powers, he did not follow the Sith Code or take on the Darth title. Instead, he was trained in dark side philosophy and served as a proxy for Sith goals.

5. Is Snoke Darth Plagueis?
No, Snoke is not Darth Plagueis. Although many fans speculated that Snoke might be the ancient Sith mentioned in Revenge of the Sith, this theory was debunked by the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Snoke was a separate creation entirely.

6. What happened to Snoke?
Snoke was killed by Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi. During a confrontation in his throne room, Snoke underestimated Kylo’s loyalty and was sliced in half by a hidden lightsaber strike.

7. Can Snoke use the Force?
Yes, Snoke is a powerful Force user. He could use telepathy, mind probes, Force throws, and even Force lightning. However, his powers were limited by the fact that he was being controlled by Palpatine.

8. How tall is Snoke?
Snoke stands 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm) tall. His intimidating height was exaggerated further through holographic projections, especially in The Force Awakens, to increase his presence and mystique.

9. Who created Snoke?
Snoke was created by Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal through a process called strandcasting—a form of genetic engineering that blends cloning with Force-sensitive traits.

10. Why did Kylo Ren kill Snoke?
Kylo Ren killed Snoke to break free from his control and seize power for himself. By eliminating his master, Kylo followed the Sith-like tradition of the apprentice overthrowing the teacher—though he never fully embraced the Sith identity.

Conclusion

Supreme Leader Snoke was never just a villain—he was a narrative tool, designed to reflect the darkest parts of both Emperor Palpatine and Ben Solo. As a puppet ruler, he mirrored Sidious’s hunger for control and power. As a manipulator of legacy, he became a twisted reflection of the Skywalker family’s legacy, guiding Kylo Ren toward destruction under the guise of strength.

Snoke’s arc remains one of the most controversial in Star Wars. Some fans appreciate the bold storytelling choices that surrounded his rise and fall, while others feel his mystery was resolved too quickly or left too many questions unanswered. Whether you see him as a missed opportunity or a clever misdirection, there’s no denying that Snoke played a pivotal role in shaping the sequel trilogy’s emotional core.