Adam Driver disclosed that Disney turned down a sequel movie focused on Ben Solo, the character he played in Star Wars. Since 2021, Driver had been exploring options to create a new film centered on Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, teaming up with director Steven Soderbergh to develop the concept.
Collaboration with Steven Soderbergh and Scott Z. Burns
Driver enlisted Soderbergh to help pitch the project to Lucasfilm executives, including Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni. Scott Z. Burns, known for his work on The Bourne Ultimatum, was brought on to write the screenplay. Driver revealed that Lucasfilm reacted positively, describing the script as one of the “coolest fucking scripts” he had ever been involved with.
Disney Executives Reject the Project
Despite the enthusiasm at Lucasfilm, the project stalled after it was presented to Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Driver said,
“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,”
expressing his disappointment.
Steven Soderbergh also shared his regret, stating,
“I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.”
The Legacy of Kylo Ren and Uncertain Future for the Sequel
Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren was a standout in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The character’s arc included a complex journey from a dark antagonist to a redeemed hero who dies at the end of The Rise of Skywalker. However, the Star Wars franchise has a history of resurrecting characters, such as Emperor Palpatine’s return in Episode 9, despite his apparent death in Return of the Jedi.
Although The Hunt for Ben Solo will not move forward, Driver confirmed the project is officially dead. Meanwhile, Lucasfilm is advancing plans for a new movie starring Daisy Ridley’s Rey, continuing the story beyond the Skywalker Saga.
What Lies Ahead for Star Wars
Fans can still look forward to future Star Wars productions, including the upcoming series The Mandalorian and its character Grogu, expected to continue expanding the universe. The rejection of Adam Driver’s Ben Solo sequel highlights the franchise’s careful direction and the challenges in revisiting popular characters in new stories.
