Adam Driver has disclosed that he spent two years developing a Star Wars project alongside acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, a collaboration that was ultimately halted by Disney executives despite support from Lucasfilm leadership. This revelation has reignited interest among fans eager to learn about the unrealized continuation of the character Kylo Ren’s story.
Driver reflected on his connection to the role, stating,
I always was interested in doing another ‘Star Wars,’
Adam Driver shared with the Associated Press.
I had been talking about doing another one since 2021. Kathleen (Kennedy) had reached out. I always said: With a great director and a great story, I’d be there in a second. I loved that character and loved playing him.
The Development of “The Hunt for Ben Solo” and Lucasfilm’s Enthusiastic Response
The concept Driver brought forward envisioned a sequel set after the events of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, despite Kylo Ren’s redemption and assumed demise in that film. Driver believed there was unfinished business with Ben Solo, Kylo Ren’s original identity.
Working with Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Rebecca Blunt, the team crafted a narrative exploring Ben Solo’s survival and spiritual journey. The project received eager support from Lucasfilm executives Kathleen Kennedy, Cary Beck, and Dave Filoni, leading to the involvement of Scott Z. Burns, known for Contagion, to further develop the screenplay. Driver recalled,
We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,
highlighting the strong initial backing the project had within the franchise.
Disney’s Decision to Cancel the Project Despite Creative Promise
The film was titled The Hunt for Ben Solo and was positioned as a character-driven exploration of the conflicted figure’s fate. Driver described the script as
one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of.
However, when the proposal reached Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, the response was negative. Driver recounted,
It was called ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ and it was really cool. We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.
Driver expressed confusion regarding the rejection, emphasizing that the project aimed to be fiscally responsible without compromising on the handcrafted, character-focused spirit that defined classic Star Wars films. He said,
We wanted to be judicial about how to spend money and be economical with it, and do it for less than most but in the same spirit of what those movies are, which is handmade and character-driven,
while noting the influence of Empire Strikes Back as a standard.
Steven Soderbergh’s Perspective on the Abandoned Film
Soderbergh confirmed his involvement in the project with a brief statement, expressing amusement at the unrealized film. He remarked,
I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.
This comment encapsulates both the creative passion behind the project and the disappointment that it remains unseen.
The Impact and Potential Legacy of the Halted Star Wars Sequel
The cancellation of The Hunt for Ben Solo closes a chapter on what could have been a compelling narrative, blending the talents of one of Hollywood’s most distinctive directors with Adam Driver’s nuanced portrayal of one of the saga’s most complex characters. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between creative ambition and corporate direction within major franchises.
For fans and industry observers, the story represents yet another fascinating “what-if” in the history of the Star Wars universe, leaving open questions about future explorations of characters like Ben Solo. Despite this setback, Driver’s eagerness to revisit the galaxy suggests that the desire to tell layered, character-centered tales remains strong.
