Star Wars: Uniqueness of Captain Rex’s Armor in The Clone Wars Explained

Exploring Captain Rex’s Unique Armor in Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Captain Rex stands out in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars universe not just for his leadership and loyalty but also for his distinctive armor. Showrunner Dave Filoni shed light on the significance of Rex’s armor, setting it apart from standard clone trooper attire. In Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, we first encounter clone troopers equipped with Phase 1 armor, a design that hints at both the later Imperial stormtroopers and the Mandalorian heritage of their genetic precursor, Jango Fett. As showcased in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the upgrade to Phase 2 armor leans more toward the aesthetics of stormtrooper gear.

Originally, the Star Wars Legends narrative outlined clear distinctions between these two forms of clone armor. Phase 1 armor, while robust, was noted for its discomfort. Conversely, Phase 2 armor introduced enhancements that not only increased comfort but also improved strength-to-weight ratios. Recent iterations in the Star Wars canon largely continue to reflect these original concepts. However, Captain Rex’s perspective on these two armors reveals a unique, personal connection that diverges from the established norms.

Captain Rex’s Armor Explained: Insights from 14 Years Ago

Live-action Captain Rex in Ahsoka episode 5

In an insightful interview from 2011 with IGN, Dave Filoni elaborated on Rex’s preference for the Phase 1 armor, suggesting that he viewed the new Phase 2 iteration as inferior:

I create this backstory for Dee [Bradley Baker] where I was telling him that Rex doesn’t believe that the new armor is really that good. He sees it as more prefabricated, where the original armor…You know how classic stuff, the craftsmanship is a little better? So Rex cut his old helmet up and he welded together parts of the new helmet and his armor is a hodgepodge of old gear and new gear.

This personal customization not only showcases Rex’s resourcefulness but also allows him to retain the memories associated with his original armor. This distinctive approach to his gear portrays him as a capable leader who adapts while honoring his past, distinguishing him from other clones.

Rex’s Armor: A Symbol of Uniqueness in The Clone Wars

Captain Rex and Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars The Clone Wars season 7

Captain Rex’s custom armor design is one of the most distinctive in the entire Clone Army. His helmet uniquely integrates aspects of the Phase 1 design, particularly visible in the faceplate and chest plating. Rex’s preference for the earlier armor version suggests that it still holds significant value—even suggesting it may outperform the Phase 2 armor in certain respects.

Within the Legends continuity, both armor types were equipped with built-in oxygen supplies; however, the modern canon clarifies that only the Phase 1 armor featured this innovation. The Phase 2 suits necessitate separate oxygen tanks for space travel, highlighting yet another functional distinction.

Captain Rex continues to utilize elements of his hybrid armor in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, illustrating his attachment to the past. Notably, during the episode “The Last Battle,” Rex experiences blaster fire to his chest and helmet, yet survives due to the low armor-piercing quality of the enemy’s weaponry. He states, “generation one armor always holds up,” reflecting his belief in the superiority of the original clone armor design.