Nute Gunray

Viceroy of the Trade Federation and one of the leaders of the Separatists

Viceroy of the Trade Federation and one of the key leaders of the Separatist movement aiming for independence from the Galactic Republic. Appears primarily in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.

Quotes

  • If we're forced into a peaceful solution, we're finished.
  • Queen Amidala is our enemy.
  • Our path lies in secession.
  • I have no intention of yielding my position to anyone.

Trivia

  • Neimoidian English accent is modeled after a Thai accent.
  • The device on his head is robotic tech to aid emotional expression.
  • Voice actor Silas Carson performs multiple roles.
  • His hat in the film has a built-in expression mechanism.
  • Trade Federation executed Naboo blockade due to his machinations.
  • Secretly collaborates with Darth Sidious.

Alternate names

Nute Gunray Viceroy Gunray Trade Federation Viceroy

Tags

Star Wars Trade Federation Separatists Naboo Sith Military leader Space opera Villain Politician Schemer

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Profile

Species
Neimoidian
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Has the characteristically large, swollen head of a Neimoidian, and always wears a luxurious blue robe and tall hat, presenting a dignified appearance.
Eye color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Large swollen head
  • Blue attire
  • Tall headdress
Iconic items
  • Tall headdress
  • Luxurious robe
  • Trade Federation command staff

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cunning
Detailed personality
Cunning and self-preserving nature that spares no conspiracies or backroom dealings to achieve goals. Zealous in power struggles with a selfish side. Skillfully uses sycophancy toward superiors and bribery to protect his position, but ends up causing many failures.
Keywords
  • Schemer
  • Coward
  • Power-hungry
  • Cunning
  • Coward
  • Weak-willed
  • Shameless
  • Selfish
Talents
  • Political manipulation
  • Conspiracies
  • Negotiation skills
Skills
  • Military command
  • Covert operations
  • Bribery
Motivation
Maintaining Trade Federation power and advancing the Separatist cause. Ensuring the prosperity and survival of himself and his fellow Neimoidians.

History

Backstory
Neimoidian by species origin, prevailed in the power struggle within the Trade Federation to become Viceroy. Secretly allied with Darth Sidious to become a major figure in the Separatist forces seeking independence from the Galactic Republic. Active in the Naboo blockade and as a member of the Separatist Council during the Clone Wars. Continued to crave power even after failing to capture Queen Padmé Amidala, but was ultimately abandoned by Sidious and died with the end of the Separatist government.
Debut date
May 19, 1999
Work title
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Media type
Movie
Episode or chapter
Episode 1

Blockade of Naboo

Significant event
Blockade of Naboo
Description
Led the Trade Federation fleet under Darth Sidious's orders to blockade the planet Naboo, causing political turmoil in the Republic Senate.

Capture of Queen Amidala

Significant event
Capture of Queen Amidala
Description
Attempted to capture Queen Amidala for the Naboo occupation but mistook her decoy for the real one, resulting in failure. Allowed the queen to escape and failed the capture.

Battle of Geonosis

Significant event
Battle of Geonosis
Description
Participated in the Battle of Geonosis, the opening battle of the Clone Wars, as a central member of the Separatist Council.

Separatist Dominion

Significant event
Separatist Dominion
Description
Led the Separatist government as Trade Federation Viceroy in the Confederacy of Independent Systems but was thoroughly exploited by Sidious.

Demise

Significant event
Demise
Description
After the Clone Wars ended, killed on Mustafar by Darth Vader, dispatched by Palpatine, along with other Separatist leaders.

Relationships

Sheev Palpatine

Mentor

Became Trade Federation Viceroy with Sidious's aid. Secretly shared the organization's goals but was ultimately exploited and killed.

Count Dooku

Ally

Established cooperative ties in the Separatist Council and opposed the Republic during the Clone Wars.

General Grievous

Subordinate

Cooperative in military matters but on poor terms.

Trade Federation

Trade Federation: leader

Confederacy of Independent Systems

Confederacy of Independent Systems: strategist

Media appearances

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Movie / Supporting

1999 movie release

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Movie / Supporting

2002 movie release

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Movie / Supporting

2005 movie release

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Anime / Supporting

2008–2020 broadcast

Voice cast and creators

Silas Carson

Voice actor
Silas Carson
Language
English
Version or series
Movie version
Notes
Voices Neimoidian species and multiple other roles

George Lucas

Creator name
George Lucas
Role
Original author

Related goods

Nute Gunray Figure

Item name
Nute Gunray Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

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