Rian Johnson on Ben Solo became a topic of interest after news broke that a planned film featuring Adam Driver as Ben Solo had been canceled. The revelation of the scrapped project came as a surprise to Star Wars fans and industry insiders alike, raising questions about the film’s development and future possibilities in the franchise.
Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh’s Ben Solo Project Revealed
Star Wars audiences learned that Adam Driver, known for his portrayal of Kylo Ren, had been working with director Steven Soderbergh on a film titled The Hunt for Ben Solo. Intended as a continuation after The Rise of Skywalker, the movie would have centered on Ben Solo’s life following his redemption at the conclusion of the saga. Driver’s announcement marked the first time the project was mentioned publicly, catching even those involved in Star Wars productions off guard.
Rian Johnson Shares His Thoughts
Director Rian Johnson, recognized for helming The Last Jedi, was asked about The Hunt for Ben Solo during an interview with Collider. Johnson admitted he had no prior knowledge of the project but showed enthusiasm at the prospect of Adam Driver reprising the Ben Solo role. He said,
Take my money! I only know what I read about it online. I didn’t know anything about it, but who knows how things are developed these days? But man, I will watch Driver in anything, but I would love to see him play that character again.
—Rian Johnson, Director
Johnson’s reaction reflects both surprise and support, particularly as he directed the film responsible for significant development of the Kylo Ren character. His perspective adds context for fans interested in how those connected to the saga view creative developments involving Ben Solo.
Decision to Cancel the Film
Adam Driver expanded on the project’s fate in an interview with AP, explaining their creative journey and the studio’s decision-making process. Driver described presenting the script to Lucasfilm executives, who responded positively, but stated that the project was ultimately turned down by Disney’s top leadership. Driver recounted,
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.
—Adam Driver, Actor
This account from Driver highlights the enthusiasm at Lucasfilm and the abrupt halt when Disney leaders, specifically Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, could not envision continuing Ben Solo’s storyline.
Strong Fan Response to the Cancellation
The reveal of the scrapped film prompted swift and passionate reactions from the Star Wars fan community. Notably, a few days after Adam Driver spoke about the project’s cancellation, a fan-driven campaign attracted attention when a plane flew over Disney Studios trailing a banner that read,
Save The Hunt for Ben Solo.
—Banner by Lianna Al Allaf, Fan
Lianna Al Allaf, the supporter behind the airborne display, told Collider,
I hope this banner shows just how much the character of Ben Solo means to so many of us.
—Lianna Al Allaf, Fan
These efforts underscore the emotional investment and continued interest in Ben Solo’s character arc, as well as the dynamic interaction between fans and creators.
The Future of Star Wars in Theaters
Looking ahead, Star Wars will return to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu, scheduled for release on May 22, 2026. While the fate of Ben Solo’s solo story remains uncertain, both fans and industry figures like Rian Johnson have expressed ongoing curiosity and support for future endeavors involving these beloved characters.
