The Confident Menace: Admiral Atticus Noble in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire

The Ominous Presence of Admiral Atticus Noble

Admiral Atticus Noble is one of the main antagonists in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire, but it's initially unclear where his ominous presence and intimidation factor stem from. Although there are times when Noble displays the odd burst of intense violence, most of his time on screen is spent in a state of quiet intensity. His aura becomes much more understandable when a certain detail about him is unveiled towards Rebel Moon: Part One's ending.

Ed Skrein looking smug as Admiral Atticus Noble in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire

Atticus Noble is played by Ed Skrein in A Child of Fire. Before his appearance in the Zack Snyder space opera, Skrein was perhaps most well-known for his role as Ajax in 2016's Deadpool. In A Child of Fire, Noble is a senior figure in the Imperium, working with Regent Balisarius to further their grasp on the galaxy. Noble displays an impressive amount of confidence both on and off the battlefield in the movie, as well as having an unorthodox fighting style. The Admiral is one of the most compelling members of Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon cast of characters, with one distinct detail regarding the antagonist's weaponry making him even more terrifying than those around him.

Ed Skrein looking determined as Admiral Atticus Noble in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire

The Unarmed Intimidation

Admiral Atticus Noble's choice to not carry a gun in Rebel Moon adds to his intimidation factor. Although often flanked by armed soldiers, Noble never actually carries a gun himself. However, the fact that Noble is unarmed in no way means he doesn't have a lust for blood.

Noble slamming his bone staff on the ground in Rebel Moon

The opening of the movie sees the admiral in an intense act of violence as he beats Sindri to death with a bone-shaped staff. Director Zack Snyder stated that the staff serves as a metaphor for the Imperium itself, emphasizing their 'very heavy-handed' approach. Noble's staff not only reinforces his intensely confident demeanor but also greatly enhances his menacing intimidation, affirming his confidence in his own battle skills and lack of reliance on weapons like guns. Using only his bone staff, Noble keeps himself alive throughout the battle, and even uses the weapon to coordinate his troops' attacks.

Sofia Boutella as Kora narrowly avoiding being hit by a staff in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire

The Resurrection Revelation

The ending of Rebel Moon explains Admiral Noble's demeanor. When Noble falls to his death following his loss to Kora, it is revealed that death is not the end for the villainous admiral. Noble is resurrected and his consciousness is sent to the astral plane. Although Noble is shown to be technologically augmented during certain scenes, the function of said alterations to his body is not initially explained.

Ed Skrein as Admiral Atticus Noble being painfully resurrected in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire

Noble's ability to be resurrected after his death immediately gives weight to his endless confidence in situations that would instill fear into many. Knowing that he can return from the dead means Admiral Noble's fate is difficult to predict, and the ability acts as a kind of foreshadowing of his temporary death in the movie. Admiral Noble neglecting to carry a gun in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire also becomes a display of power and undying trust that he will not meet a permanent end should he fail to win.

Ed Skrein looking over the edge of a platform as Admiral Atticus Noble in Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire