The roar of the crowd faded as the credits rolled, and a wave of disappointment washed over them. Ben Solo’s story, seemingly cut short, left a void that no amount of popcorn could fill. Now, a dedicated faction of Star Wars devotees are channeling their grief into action, refusing to let the dream of Ben Solo’s return fade into the archives of discarded Disney projects.
Last year, the tantalizing prospect of a Star Wars movie centered on Adam Driver’s Ben Solo in the wake of Rise of Skywalker surfaced. This project, rumored to be titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, had Steven Soderbergh attached as director and writer—a combination that, on paper, ignited considerable excitement. However, Disney shelved the idea, partly due to their conviction that Ben Solo’s demise was conclusive, sparking resentment among fans still yearning for more.
In the intervening months, a grassroots movement has sprung up, dedicated to persuading Disney to reconsider. IGN recently interviewed Brianna Johns, a writer and voice actor spearheading this campaign. While Driver and Soderbergh seem to have accepted the film’s cancellation, Johns believes that the news of Hunt’s demise “tore through the very fabric of the franchise. The Hunt For Ben Solo reignited a spark within us all and brought us together. […] Now fans of all ages from around the globe have mobilized for a common goal: to bring Ben home and continue his saga.”
From Petitions to Billboards: How Far Will Fans Go?
Walking through Times Square, you’re bombarded with advertisements vying for your attention. But recently, a different kind of message appeared—one fueled by passion and a shared love for a galaxy far, far away.
Johns and her fellow enthusiasts have launched an ambitious campaign that includes creating “Missing” posters and purchasing ad space on Times Square billboards, all urging Disney to greenlight the Ben Solo movie. Their efforts also encompass a traditional petition, sending letters to Disney executives, and organizing a fan meetup later this month. As she explained to IGN, their strategy is to be “so good [Disney] can’t ignore us,” with the hope of attracting even more supporters to their cause.
Why Did Disney Cancel The Ben Solo Movie?
The official reasons cited by Disney pointed to the character’s apparent death in The Rise of Skywalker, suggesting a definitive end to his story arc. However, for many fans, this explanation felt inadequate, especially given the character’s potential for redemption and further exploration. The cancellation fueled a sense of frustration and disappointment, driving some to actively campaign for the film’s revival.
This push to revive the Ben Solo movie is just one example of fan-driven initiatives that emerged in 2025, all aiming to influence corporate decisions. The Avatar fandom, for instance, is advocating for a movie—specifically, bringing The Legend of Aang back to theaters after its removal from Paramount+. More recently, the Stranger Things community expressed hopes for a secret ninth episode to provide a more satisfying conclusion to the series. While the latter proved unsuccessful, the other two campaigns remain active.
What Other Scrapped Star Wars Projects Could Be Revived?
Beyond the Ben Solo campaign, whispers persist about other discarded Star Wars projects with dedicated fan followings. Tales of unproduced animated series, video games, and even live-action shows linger in online forums, each with its own passionate group hoping for a second chance. The lesson here? Never underestimate the tenacity and creativity of fandom.
One could argue that these organized fan efforts are a double-edged sword: a powerful tool for community expression, but also a potential source of pressure on studios. If fan campaigns become a routine factor in Hollywood decisions, what happens to original vision and artistic license? It’s as if fans are trying to steer a starship with sheer willpower. The real question is, can passion overcome the inertia of corporate decision-making?
Is This a Sign of Things to Come?
Imagine a future where every canceled show or rejected movie pitch sparks a global fan uprising. It’s a world where the line between audience and creator blurs, where the collective voice of fandom holds sway over the entertainment landscape. The surge in online activism is more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a shift in the balance of power.
Could Fan Campaigns Change Hollywood Decision-Making?
While the success of the Ben Solo campaign remains uncertain, its impact on Hollywood could be significant. If Disney were to reverse its decision, it might signal a new era where studios are more responsive to fan desires. Conversely, if the campaign fails, it could serve as a cautionary tale for future fan-led movements.
Who knows whether fans will succeed in their quest to resurrect the Ben Solo movie. While their determination is admirable, Disney appears intent on distancing itself from the Sequel Trilogy to forge a new direction for the franchise. This situation is like trying to hold onto sand—the harder you grip, the more it slips through your fingers.
Update (1/11/2026 @ 11:52 AM ET): This article has been changed to correct the interviewee’s surname, and we regret the error.
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Will Disney yield to the Force—or will Ben Solo remain lost to the sands of Jakku?