Disney has canceled a series of Star Wars projects, including a solo film centered on Adam Driver’s character, Ben Solo. The canceled film, titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, was intended to continue the story of the reformed Kylo Ren, but Disney executives rejected the proposal despite Lucasfilm’s initial approval. This decision marks a significant setback for the Star Wars franchise under Disney’s stewardship, which has seen multiple projects fall by the wayside since its acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012.
Adam Driver recently revealed to the Associated Press that he was open to reprising his sequel trilogy role and that the film had reached the script approval stage before being vetoed. The character of Ben Solo was killed off in Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, but the Star Wars universe’s history of reviving supposedly dead characters had raised fan hopes for this spin-off. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Driver’s potential return, Disney bosses Bob Iger and Alan Bergman ultimately decided against the film, stating they did not believe Ben Solo was still alive.
Adam Driver: “It was called ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ and it was really cool. But it is no more, so I can finally talk about it. We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it. 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.”
Several Other High-Profile Star Wars Projects Have Also Been Scrapped
This cancellation is part of a wider pattern at Lucasfilm, where multiple Star Wars productions have been shelved in recent years. One notable example is Rangers of the New Republic, a spin-off series announced after the success of The Mandalorian. The show was to star Gina Carano reprising her role as Cara Dune and was developed by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau. However, after Carano’s departure from Disney, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the series was abandoned, with its narrative elements to be incorporated into future seasons of The Mandalorian.
Rogue Squadron, a fighter pilot film directed by Patty Jenkins, has similarly faced an uncertain fate. Announced in 2020 with a planned Christmas 2023 release, the movie promised a Top Gun-style story set in the Star Wars universe. Jenkins signed a new deal in 2022 to continue working on the project, but it was later reported canceled in 2023. Although Jenkins reportedly renewed her contract in 2024, the film’s future remains unclear, with Lucasfilm holding several unannounced projects that could potentially include Jenkins’ film.
Another canceled effort involved a Jabba the Hutt origin story, which had garnered considerable excitement, especially with Guillermo del Toro attached as director and David S. Goyer writing the script. Despite the production of concept art and a completed script, internal complications at Lucasfilm ultimately led to the project’s shutdown. Goyer reflected on this, attributing the cancellation to complex behind-the-scenes dynamics.
David S. Goyer: “There was a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff going on at Lucasfilm at the time.”
Projected Star Wars Trilogies and Films Were Also Cut From the Slate
After concluding Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were set to create a new Star Wars trilogy focusing on the origins of the Jedi Order. However, scheduling conflicts and commitments to Netflix’s 3 Body Problem led to their departure from Lucasfilm. Benioff later explained that Lucasfilm did not want to pursue their specific story, resulting in the project’s cancellation.
David Benioff: “[Lucasfilm] ended up not wanting to do a First Jedi story. We had a very specific story idea in mind, and ultimately they decided they didn’t want to do that. And we totally get it. It’s their company and their IP, but we weren’t the droids they were looking for.”
Meanwhile, Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige was also attached to a Star Wars film, with Loki writer Michael Waldron hired to develop the script. Despite public statements from Kathleen Kennedy denying any definitive plans, evidence indicated that Feige’s project was underway for a time. In 2023, it was reported that Feige’s Star Wars film had been canceled so he could focus on Marvel Studios projects.
The Growing Challenge of Maintaining a Consistent Star Wars Pipeline
Since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the studio has sought to maintain a robust output of Star Wars content spanning films, series, and spin-offs. While some projects like The Mandalorian have thrived, others have floundered due to creative differences, casting changes, or scheduling conflicts. The recent wave of cancellations, including Adam Driver’s Ben Solo movie, signals increasing difficulties as Lucasfilm balances fan expectations, Disney executive decisions, and the competing priorities of its creators.
The rejection of The Hunt for Ben Solo—in spite of initial enthusiasm—illustrates the complexities of extending the sequel trilogy’s legacy, especially when key characters like Ben Solo have already experienced definitive endings. Nevertheless, Star Wars fans have shown persistent interest in revisiting favorite characters, fueling speculation about future revivals and potential reboots.
Looking forward, Lucasfilm’s strategy remains uncertain. Several projects are reportedly still in development, including untitled films and series that may fill the void left by recent cancellations. Additionally, elements from abandoned series like Rangers of the New Republic are expected to be integrated into ongoing shows, aiming to preserve continuity within the broader Star Wars narrative universe.
Adam Driver’s canceled Ben Solo film and the other shelved projects highlight the precarious nature of Star Wars storytelling under Disney’s management, revealing how difficult it has become to align creative ambitions with corporate strategies. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how Lucasfilm navigates these challenges as it plans its next moves in expanding this beloved sci-fi universe.
