Adam Driver recently dropped a bombshell: he and acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh pitched an epic Star Wars movie focused on Ben Solo's return, but Disney said no. Now, heartbroken fans are taking to the skies to protest this galaxy-sized missed opportunity!
TL;DR: The Short-Version Scoop
- Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh developed a Star Wars sequel script, "The Hunt for Ben Solo," featuring Driver's character, Kylo Ren/Ben Solo.
- Lucasfilm executives, including Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, were reportedly on board, but Disney CEO Bob Iger and Alan Bergman rejected it, questioning Ben Solo's survival after The Rise of Skywalker.
- Fans are deeply disappointed, with some even flying a "Save The Hunt for Ben Solo" banner over Disney Studios, highlighting the perceived inconsistency given other characters' resurrections in the franchise.
Get ready for some classic Darth Vader "NOOOOOO!" anguish, because Adam Driver, our beloved Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, recently spilled the tea on a Star Wars movie that almost was. In an interview with The Associated Press, Driver revealed he pitched a brand-new Star Wars film to Disney, centered around his character's return after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. The project, titled "The Hunt for Ben Solo," had an incredible team behind it, but sadly, it never got off the ground.
Driver has always been keen on revisiting the character he "loved playing," stating he'd be there "in a second" for a great story and a great director. And it seems he found both. He teamed up with none other than Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, known for films like Ocean's Eleven and Contagion. Together, they envisioned a complete, redemptive character arc for Ben Solo, aiming for a story that would mirror his grandfather Darth Vader's journey.
Adam Driver details his pitched Ben Solo Star Wars film with Steven Soderbergh, titled 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' and why Disney ultimately rejected the 'coolest script.'
The Script That Was Too Good to Be True
The concept wasn't just a casual chat over space-caf; Soderbergh, along with Rebecca Blunt and frequent collaborator Scott Z. Burns (who wrote Soderbergh's Contagion and Driver's The Report), crafted a full outline and script. Driver even called it "one of the coolest [expletive] scripts I had ever been a part of," praising its "handmade and character-driven" feel, comparing it to the gold standard of Star Wars storytelling, The Empire Strikes Back. This wasn't meant to be a massive blockbuster full of CGI fireworks, but a more personal, nuanced exploration of redemption and identity.
"I always was interested in doing another Star Wars," Driver told AP. "I had been talking about doing another one since 2021. Kathleen (Kennedy) had reached out. I always said, 'With a great director and a great story, I'd be there in a second.' I loved that character and loved playing him."
— Adam Driver
Find out all about Adam Driver's passion project, 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' a Star Wars sequel he pitched with Steven Soderbergh that Disney sadly rejected. We've got the scoop on why it didn't happen and what fans are saying!
From Lucasfilm Love to Disney's Deep Freeze
The pitch seemed to be going well initially. Driver and Soderbergh presented their vision to Lucasfilm executives, including President Kathleen Kennedy, Vice President Cary Beck, and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni. According to Driver, "They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it." Filoni, in particular, has been instrumental in many impactful Star Wars projects like The Clone Wars, suggesting a strong narrative foundation.
However, when the project reached the very top brass at Disney—CEO Bob Iger and executive Alan Bergman—it hit a wall. Their reason for rejection? They "didn't see how Ben Solo was alive." This explanation has sparked considerable frustration among fans and critics alike, given the franchise's track record of bringing characters back from seemingly insurmountable odds (we're looking at you, "Somehow, Palpatine returned").
Soderbergh, in a statement to AP, expressed his regret: "I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I'm just sorry the fans won't get to see it." This sentiment clearly resonates with many who feel a unique, character-focused story with top-tier talent was dismissed too quickly.
Star Wars fans are campaigning to save 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' a canceled movie pitch from Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh. Learn why Disney rejected it and what's next for the galaxy.
The Force Dyad: A Clear Path to Resurrection?
Disney's argument about Ben Solo's death feels particularly flimsy when you consider the established lore of the sequel trilogy itself. The concept of the Force Dyad, introduced in The Rise of Skywalker, links Rey and Kylo Ren across space and time, allowing them to share abilities and even transfer life energy. Ben Solo himself sacrificed his remaining life force to resurrect Rey at the end of the film. Many fans and commentators, including those from ScreenRant, argue that this very mechanism could easily be used to explain Ben Solo's return, perhaps with Rey (who has grown immensely in power) finding a way to bring him back without sacrificing herself in the same manner.
Beyond the Force Dyad, Star Wars history is littered with characters who have cheated death. Darth Maul survived being sliced in half, only to return in The Clone Wars and Rebels. Asajj Ventress was brought back by a ritual. Ahsoka Tano was saved via time travel through the World Between Worlds. The franchise has shown a clear willingness to bend the rules of mortality for compelling storytelling. To deny Ben Solo a return based on his death seems, to many, like a convenient excuse rather than a creative block.
Adam Driver spills the beans on his rejected Star Wars sequel,
Fans Take Flight to "Save The Hunt for Ben Solo"
The news of this scrapped film sent shockwaves through the Star Wars fandom. Ben Solo/Kylo Ren is a polarizing but immensely popular character, and the idea of a redemptive journey helmed by such acclaimed filmmakers was incredibly exciting. The disappointment quickly turned into action. As reported by Collider and other outlets, a dedicated fan group commissioned a plane to fly a banner over Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, proclaiming, "Save The Hunt for Ben Solo."
Lianna Al Allaf, the fan who organized the aerial protest, stated her hope that the banner would show Disney's decision-makers "how much the character of Ben Solo means to so many of us, and that the fans really do want this movie." This public display underscores a deeper frustration within the fandom regarding the direction of Star Wars movies, particularly after a "fallow period" where many features have been stalled, delayed, or outright scrapped. Fans feel that good ideas, especially character-driven ones, are being overlooked in favor of perceived safer bets.
Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh pitched a Kylo Ren sequel, 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' to Lucasfilm and Disney. Find out why the project got shut down despite its 'really cool' script and Lucasfilm's approval.
A Pattern of Missed Opportunities for the Big Screen?
The rejection of "The Hunt for Ben Solo" isn't an isolated incident in recent Star Wars history. A report from The InSneider, mentioned by io9, suggests that even legendary director David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac) had conversations with Lucasfilm about directing a post-Episode IX movie. While details of his pitch remain under wraps, it reportedly fell through because Fincher wanted final cut, which Lucasfilm couldn't offer.
These revelations paint a picture of ambitious, acclaimed filmmakers approaching the franchise with fresh ideas, only to encounter roadblocks at the studio level. For a franchise that has "floundered" on the big screen since The Rise of Skywalker, these missed opportunities sting even more. While the TV side of Star Wars has seen critical successes like Andor and The Mandalorian, the cinematic universe seems to be struggling to find its footing and a consistent creative vision.
Ben Solo's arc in the sequel trilogy, while concluding with his sacrifice, left many questions unanswered and desires for a more complete redemption. A film exploring his survival and journey, especially with the creative minds of Driver and Soderbergh, could have been exactly what the film series needed: a character-focused narrative that respects the past while bravely exploring new territory. Instead, it seems we'll be left to wonder what incredible adventures "The Hunt for Ben Solo" might have brought to the big screen.
What's Next for Star Wars Movies?
While "The Hunt for Ben Solo" won't be happening (for now, at least), the Star Wars cinematic universe isn't completely dormant. Here's a look at what's currently confirmed:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu: A big-screen continuation of the popular Disney+ series, starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin. Directed by Jon Favreau, this film is set for release on May 22, 2026.
- Star Wars: Starfighter: This film is reportedly in production, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy. It's currently aiming for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
- No Film School - "We Almost Got a New 'Star Wars' Movie from Soderbergh and Adam Driver" (Oct 22, 2025)
- Deadline - "Adam Driver Pitched Lucasfilm A 'Star Wars' Spinoff That Was A Direct Sequel To 'The Rise Of Skywalker'" (Oct 20, 2025)
- Variety - "'Star Wars' Fans Fly Plane Over Disney Studios With 'Save The Hunt for Ben Solo' Banner After Adam Driver Reveals Rejected Kylo Ren Movie" (Oct 23, 2025)
- Collider - "A galaxy’s worth of frustration just went airborne. In the latest twist following Adam Driver’s shocking revelation about his canceled Star Wars sequel, fans have taken matters into their own hands – literally flying a plane over Disney Studios with a banner reading: “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo.”"
- ScreenRant - "The Force Dyad Can Easily Bring Ben Solo Back"
- Polygon - "Kylo Ren’s death should be permanent"
- io9 - "'Star Wars' Might Have Turned Down Another Big Director Too" (Oct 23, 2025)
- A.V. Club - "Kylo Ren fans have already flown a 'Save #TheHuntForBenSolo' banner over Disney" (Oct 23, 2025)