The saga of Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, could have taken a thrilling turn after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Adam Driver recently opened up about an intriguing project that could have brought the character back to the big screen. In a candid interview, he revealed that he approached renowned director Steven Soderbergh to create a movie centered around Ben Solo’s journey beyond the Skywalker saga, but the concept was ultimately halted by Disney executives.
Driver described the envisioned film as The Hunt for Ben Solo, saying, “It was really cool.” He eagerly shared details, stating, “But it is no more, so I can finally talk about it,” emphasizing the enthusiasm he had for the project. This isn’t just a rumor; io9 confirmed Driver’s comments through independent sources.
Back in 2021, Driver had discussions with Kathleen Kennedy, expressing his willingness to return if the project had the right director and story. “I loved that character and loved playing him,” he said. Consequently, he reached out to Soderbergh, who collaborated with writer Rebecca Blunt to pitch a unique narrative to Lucasfilm executives.
To their delight, Lucasfilm executives greenlit the idea and enlisted frequent Soderbergh partner Scott Z. Burns to craft the screenplay. Driver called the script “one of the coolest scripts I had ever been a part of,” highlighting its potential. So what happened next?
After presenting the script to Lucasfilm, Driver received positive feedback. “They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle,” he remarked. However, when the proposal reached Disney higher-ups, including Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, it was rejected. The executives reportedly couldn’t envision a storyline where Ben Solo could be alive again.
Even though Kylo Ren dies multiple times in The Rise of Skywalker, the rejection felt particularly disheartening for fans wishing to see more of the character’s evolution.
In an effort to keep costs manageable, Driver noted the team aimed to create a smaller, more economical film than previous Star Wars projects. They intended to produce a character-driven story that maintained the handmade spirit of earlier entries, akin to the iconic Empire Strikes Back. Driver praised Soderbergh, stating, “He lives his code, lives his ethics, doesn’t compromise.”
Soderbergh also expressed regret, saying, “I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.” His sentiments resonate with many who were excited about the potential revival of this beloved character.
What are the implications of such a missed opportunity in the Star Wars franchise? The disappointment is palpable, especially when great talent and creative vision are involved.
Is it possible for characters to return after an on-screen demise? Hollywood has a tendency to resurrect characters through alternative timelines or prequels, so the possibilities are endless within the expansive Star Wars universe.
Could this concept still be revived in future projects? The landscape of storytelling in film is evolving, and creative teams may consider exploring such narratives if the fan demand remains strong.
What does the future hold for Adam Driver and Ben Solo? Both the actor and character have a well of potential storytelling opportunities left unexplored, leaving many eager for future developments.
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