Rian Johnson, the director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, has publicly supported Adam Driver’s potential return to the Star Wars saga amid the controversy surrounding the cancelled film The Hunt for Ben Solo. This scrapped project, intended to focus on Driver’s character Kylo Ren, was rejected by Disney last year, which cited doubts about how Ben Solo could remain alive following The Rise of Skywalker.
The push to revive the movie has gained some momentum among fans since the cancellation news surfaced. Supporters have raised campaigns, including one instance where a fan financed a sky banner flying above Disney Studios in California with the hashtag #SaveTheHuntForBenSolo. Fans argue that Star Wars has previously revived characters presumed dead, such as Emperor Palpatine, suggesting there might be room to bring back Ben Solo’s story.
Johnson Voices Enthusiasm for Adam Driver’s Star Wars Future
In an interview on Radio Andy, Rian Johnson expressed his desire to see Adam Driver return to Star Wars projects, emphasizing his support despite the film’s official rejection.
I want to see Adam in another Star Wars movie, man,
Johnson stated, underscoring his personal enthusiasm for the actor’s role in the franchise.
Fan Reactions Reflect Mixed Feelings About Kylo Ren’s Return
Following Johnson’s comments, fans voiced varied opinions on social media. While some remain hopeful, trusting there is room for Ben Solo’s redemption, others feel Kylo Ren’s story reached a natural conclusion. One fan remarked,
The galaxy’s still waiting for its redemption arc,
whereas another cautioned,
While I love Kylo Ren, I wouldn’t want to see him as a main character since his story already came full circle.
Insights from Steven Soderbergh on Disney’s Unprecedented Rejection
Steven Soderbergh, director attached to The Hunt for Ben Solo before its cancellation, revealed that Disney’s refusal to greenlight the film marked the first time Lucasfilm submitted a finished script that was turned down. Reflecting on the situation, Soderbergh recalled,
In the aftermath of the HFBS [The Hunt for Ben Solo] situation, I asked Kathy Kennedy if LFL [Lucasfilm] had ever turned in a finished movie script for greenlight to Disney and had it rejected. She said no, this was a first,
highlighting the unusual nature of the rejection within the franchise’s history.
Upcoming Star Wars Projects and Future Prospects
While fans await news about potential sequels involving beloved characters, Star Wars continues its expansion with new entries. The upcoming film featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, is scheduled for release in cinemas on May 22, 2026. As the franchise evolves, the fate of characters like Ben Solo remains a topic of passionate discussion among creators and audiences alike.
