Steven Soderbergh Opens Up on His Cancelled Star Wars Film

Director Steven Soderbergh has opened up about the cancellation of his long-anticipated Star Wars spin-off, The Hunt For Ben Solo, which was scrapped by Disney after more than two years of development. The project, intended to revive Adam Driver’s character Ben Solo, was halted just before production began due to concerns over the storyline, despite Soderbergh and his team’s strong commitment to the film.

Behind the Decision to Cancel the Spin-Off

The idea of a Star Wars movie helmed by Steven Soderbergh attracted considerable excitement among fans, as few would refuse a film from such a skilled director. Despite their enthusiasm, Disney executives ultimately declined the project, reportedly because they could not accept the concept of Ben Solo’s character returning from the dead—a narrative choice previously seen in the Star Wars franchise. The sudden decision to cancel the film came on the eve of production, leaving everyone involved deeply disappointed.

Soderbergh Shares His Frustrations Over the Halted Film

In a detailed interview with BK Mag, Soderbergh expressed the collective frustration felt by those involved in The Hunt For Ben Solo. He highlighted how he, Adam Driver, and screenwriter Rebecca Blunt had all invested about two and a half years of work on the project without compensation.

“It was no surprise she was frustrated,”

Soderbergh stated, referring to former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy’s reaction,

“We were all frustrated. You know, that was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and [screenwriter] Rebecca Blunt.”

Adam Driver’s Role and the Official Rejection

The project first became public knowledge last October when Adam Driver mentioned it in an Associated Press interview. He praised the script but revealed the film was turned down by Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, who did not believe the premise of Ben Solo being alive made sense.

“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

Soderbergh noted that he and Driver had considered releasing a joint public statement about the cancellation before Driver’s interview. He advised Driver to avoid speculation and stick to the facts.

“When Adam and I discussed him talking about it publicly, I said, ‘Look, do not editorialize or speculate about the why. Just say what happened, because all we know is what happened.’ The stated reason was ‘We don’t think Ben Solo could be alive.’ And that was all we were told. And so there’s nothing to do about it, you know, except move on.”

Next Steps for Soderbergh and Driver After the Cancelled Film

Both Soderbergh and Driver have moved forward with other projects since the cancellation. Driver is set to appear in several upcoming dramas, including the crime film Paper Tiger, directed by James Gray. Meanwhile, Soderbergh has curated a film series at a Brooklyn cinema and is working on multiple projects such as The Christophers, scheduled for wide release in the U.S. this April. Additionally, he is developing Production 02074, an app that dissects the production process of the classic movie Jaws.

The Emotional Impact and Potential for Revival

Despite these new ventures, The Hunt For Ben Solo remains a significant missed opportunity for Soderbergh. A passionate group of Star Wars fans has even launched a campaign to revive the film, reflecting the emotional investment both the director and part of the fanbase have in the project. Soderbergh himself feels a strong connection to the material and hinted at the possibility, however faint, that the film could still be made one day.

“I’d kind of made the movie in my head,”

Soderbergh revealed,

“and just felt bad that nobody else was going to get to see it. I thought the conversation was strictly going to be a practical one—where they go, what is this going to cost? And I had a really good answer for that. But it never even got to that point. It’s insane. We’re all very disappointed.”