Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company have announced and then shelved numerous potential Star Wars projects, making it difficult for fans to maintain excitement about future installments. Among these was a promising concept focused on Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren, developed by Steven Soderbergh with screenwriter Scott Z. Burns. Their script, The Hunt for Ben Solo, aimed to explore the character’s journey following the events of The Rise of Skywalker, potentially providing a more satisfying conclusion to Ben Solo’s arc and bringing Soderbergh’s unique vision back to science fiction.
Steven Soderbergh, better known for crime and psychological dramas, demonstrated his aptitude for sci-fi through his reinterpretation of Solaris, originally a 1972 film by Andrei Tarkovsky. Though the remake was based on Stanisław Lem’s novel rather than Tarkovsky’s film, it invited inevitable comparisons while showcasing Soderbergh’s ability to reinvigorate classic science fiction for contemporary audiences. While Solaris was a box office disappointment, it reflected the kind of thoughtful sci-fi storytelling that Soderbergh may have offered the Star Wars saga.
A Modern Reinterpretation of “Solaris” and Its Narrative Style
While the core plot of Soderbergh’s Solaris echoes Tarkovsky’s film, his approach was more concise and detail-driven. Both stories revolve around Dr. Chris Klein, portrayed by George Clooney in the remake, who confronts psychological challenges during a space mission. In contrast to Tarkovsky’s nearly three-hour exploration filled with ambiguity and reflective sequences, Soderbergh’s version highlighted tactile depictions of space travel and integrated flashbacks to reveal Klein’s backstory. This technique is notable given the modern Star Wars films’ reliance on flashbacks for exposition, demonstrating Soderbergh’s skill in weaving past memories into the narrative cohesively.
Soderbergh’s Solaris also introduced profound existential queries, focusing on Klein’s struggle with trauma and his question of reintegration into humanity. This introspective portrayal of an anti-hero on a path to redemption could have been an ideal direction for The Hunt for Ben Solo, promising to deepen Kylo Ren’s character beyond his villainous archetype. Soderbergh had previously drawn impressive performances from Adam Driver, as seen in Logan Lucky, suggesting a productive creative partnership that could have elevated a serious sci-fi venture.
How Soderbergh’s Vision Aligns with the Star Wars Universe
One common criticism of modern blockbuster films, including Star Wars entries, is an overreliance on visual effects that sometimes diminish their impact. By contrast, Solaris was produced on a modest budget, using minimalism to effectively convey the vastness of space and the emotional strain on Klein. This approach recalls the immersive quality of Luke Skywalker’s initial journey into the larger galaxy beyond Tatooine in George Lucas’ 1977 original film.
Soderbergh’s focus on character perspective allowed Solaris to achieve a sense of immersion and intimacy, qualities vital for any new Star Wars installment. Moreover, Solaris was produced efficiently—a level of professionalism critical to Star Wars, which has faced numerous delays. Instead of merely replicating the classic, Soderbergh crafted a version that celebrated 1970s science fiction while embracing modern technology and storytelling sensibilities. This balance of innovation and respect for legacy could have rejuvenated the Star Wars saga’s sci-fi roots, especially given how Dave Filoni’s tenure has moved the franchise increasingly into high fantasy territories.
Though Solaris lacks the widespread fanbase of Star Wars, Soderbergh’s courage in imprinting the material with his distinct vision demonstrates his capability to contribute significantly to a large franchise. If he could navigate the strict confines of Solaris, the vastness of the Star Wars universe would offer even greater creative latitude.
Cast and Key Contributors to “Solaris”
Steven Soderbergh’s Solaris featured an accomplished ensemble, led by George Clooney as Dr. Chris Klein. Clooney’s performance revealed a depth beyond his formerly light-hearted roles in films such as Out of Sight and O Brother, Where Art Thou? The cast also included Natascha McElhone, Viola Davis, and Jeremy Davies, each contributing to the film’s nuanced exploration of humanity, memory, and existence.
With Soderbergh’s ability to guide actors like Clooney and Driver toward emotionally rich portrayals, his involvement in a Star Wars sequel or spinoff might have introduced a fresh, contemplative narrative layer, potentially redefining how the franchise approaches its complex characters.
Solaris remains available to rent or purchase through various video-on-demand platforms, showcasing Soderbergh’s thoughtful engagement with science fiction that, had it been given room to breathe within Star Wars, might have transformed the saga’s trajectory.
