Adam Driver, known for his portrayal of Ben Solo/Kylo Ren, recently revealed plans for a new Star Wars film centered on his character, titled The Hunt for Ben Solo. Despite the project’s promise, the movie was ultimately rejected by Disney, halting what could have been a significant continuation of the Star Wars saga.
Although the Star Wars sequel trilogy has faced mixed reviews, Kylo Ren remains one of the most compelling characters introduced, and many fans were eager to see the story expand beyond his apparent death in The Rise of Skywalker. Driver’s enthusiasm for revisiting this role highlighted a potential shift in the franchise’s future that Disney declined to pursue.
Signs Pointed to Driver Moving Away from Star Wars
Prior to this announcement, it seemed Adam Driver had distanced himself from Star Wars. While he never spoke negatively about the experience, Driver’s public appearances, including Saturday Night Live sketches, often included humor that playfully mocked the sequel trilogy and his role as Kylo Ren. He also expressed reluctance to attend fan conventions due to past experiences, signaling a waning interest in large franchise events.
Driver’s career choices post-trilogy further suggested a shift toward more intimate, art-focused projects, including films like White Noise and Annette. This change reinforced the notion that he was moving away from blockbuster franchises to focus on more personal storytelling.
Contrary to these perceptions, however, Driver was actively involved in developing a Star Wars movie focused on Ben Solo, demonstrating sustained enthusiasm for the character and the universe.
Driver’s Work on a Ben Solo-Centered Star Wars Film
The proposed film, The Hunt for Ben Solo, was set to be directed by Steven Soderbergh and aimed to revisit Ben Solo’s story despite his canonical death. According to sources, the script was highly regarded by Driver himself and initially by Lucasfilm as well.
Driver described the screenplay as
“one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of.”
Despite this positive reception, the project was ultimately blocked by Disney CEO Bob Iger. Driver explained that Disney executives were unwilling to resurrect Ben Solo, leading to the project’s cancellation and dimming hopes for Kylo Ren’s return.
The Impact of Disney’s Rejection on the Star Wars Franchise
Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars has been met with a mix of anticipation and apprehension among fans, many of whom feared the franchise’s direction might change under new management. Kylo Ren gained a devoted fanbase eager to see the character develop beyond the sequel trilogy’s conclusion.
It was widely believed that Driver had closed the door on returning to Star Wars, making this news all the more surprising and disappointing. Driver himself shared with AP News:
“I always was interested in doing another ‘Star Wars’…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.”
– Adam Driver
The rejection of this project has significant narrative implications since Ben Solo’s death marked the end of the Skywalker lineage. Reviving him could have opened new paths for future stories within the Star Wars universe, offering a fresh dynamic despite official statements that the Skywalker Saga has concluded. Disney’s earlier choice to have Rey adopt the Skywalker name suggests some flexibility in this regard, though the reinstatement of Ben Solo remains off the table.
Fans and industry watchers alike have expressed frustration at Bob Iger’s decision, sparking widespread discussion about the franchise’s future and the possibility of revisiting this canceled film. Driver’s enthusiasm contrasted sharply with the executive ruling, leaving many to wonder if continued fan support might eventually sway Disney’s stance.
Looking Ahead: The Potential for Ben Solo’s Return
With The Hunt for Ben Solo shelved, the Star Wars franchise remains without a clear direction for Kylo Ren’s narrative continuation. Adam Driver’s commitment to the role and the proposed project’s creative team suggested a compelling opportunity to expand the character’s arc and introduce new stories.
Though Disney’s decision brought those plans to an end, Star Wars has long showcased a passionate fanbase capable of advocating for the content they desire. Should interest and support remain strong, there may still be opportunities for the character’s resurrection in future media.
For now, the halt of this film serves as a reminder of the complex balancing act between creative visions and corporate decisions within the Star Wars universe, marking a significant moment for fans and the franchise alike.
