Get ready, Star Wars fans, because Adam Driver almost brought Ben Solo back to a galaxy far, far away with an "epic" sequel film — but Disney slammed the brakes on the whole idea!

TL;DR: The Ben Solo Movie That Could Have Been

  • Adam Driver and director Steven Soderbergh pitched "The Hunt for Ben Solo," a direct sequel to The Rise of Skywalker, where Ben Solo would have returned.
  • Lucasfilm, including Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, reportedly "loved" the script, but Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman rejected it.
  • The reason? Disney "didn't see how Ben Solo was alive," despite Star Wars' history of resurrecting characters, a point fans are passionately debating online.
Unveiling Adam Driver's Passion Project: A Ben Solo Sequel Idea

Hold onto your lightsabers, folks, because Adam Driver recently spilled some major galactic tea! It turns out the actor, who famously played Ben Solo (aka the villainous Kylo Ren) in the latest Star Wars sequel trilogy, wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to his complex character. Driver has revealed he actually pitched a direct sequel to 2019's The Rise of Skywalker to Lucasfilm and Disney, hoping to bring Ben Solo back for another adventure.

For those who need a quick refresher, Ben Solo is a pretty big deal. He’s the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, and the grandson of none other than Anakin Skywalker (you know, Darth Vader!). His journey was a whirlwind, from Jedi trainee to Supreme Leader of the First Order, eventually finding redemption and sacrificing himself to save Rey at the end of The Rise of Skywalker. Many fans were heartbroken by his apparent death, and it seems Driver felt there was more to explore.

Driver himself has been keen on returning to the role since 2021, saying in a recent interview, "I always was interested in doing another Star Wars. 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."

Behind the Scenes of "The Hunt for Ben Solo"

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This wasn't just a casual chat over space coffee. Driver took his idea seriously, collaborating with acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh (the mastermind behind Movies like Ocean's Eleven and Contagion). Together, they developed a concept that would have been titled The Hunt for Ben Solo.

The vision for this film was unique. Driver described it as "handmade and character-driven," drawing comparisons to the beloved 1980 classic, The Empire Strikes Back, which he called "the standard of what those movies were." The idea was to delve deeper into Ben Solo's story, presumably following a path of redemption that Driver felt didn't fully unfold for Kylo Ren in the original trilogy. Rebecca Blunt and Scott Z. Burns, a frequent Soderbergh collaborator, were even brought in to craft the script, which Driver enthusiastically called "one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of."

The initial pitch went well. Driver and Soderbergh presented their concept to Lucasfilm heavyweights like President Kathleen Kennedy, Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, and Vice President Cary Beck. And guess what? Lucasfilm reportedly "loved the idea" and "totally understood our angle and why we were doing it." Sounds like a slam dunk, right?

Steven Soderbergh on the unmade film: "I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it."

— Steven Soderbergh, in a statement to AP

Why Disney Didn't See Ben Solo Alive Anymore

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Here's where the story takes a heartbreaking turn for Ben Solo fans. Despite Lucasfilm's enthusiasm, the project hit a wall when it went up the chain to Disney executives. Driver revealed that when they took the script to Disney CEO Bob Iger and co-chairman Alan Bergman, the answer was a firm "no."

The reason? According to Driver, "They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that."

This decision hinges on the dramatic ending of The Rise of Skywalker. After a climactic battle and a redemption arc, Ben Solo uses his remaining Force energy to heal Rey, sharing a poignant kiss before his body vanishes, becoming one with the Force. From Disney's perspective, this was a definitive death, making any direct sequel challenging to justify without fundamentally altering that sacrifice.

Fan Reactions: The Galactic Irony of Past Resurrections

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Unsurprisingly, news of Disney's rejection has sparked a fervent debate among the Star Wars faithful. Many fans are scratching their heads, pointing out the perceived hypocrisy in Disney's stance. After all, the very film in which Ben Solo dies also famously (or infamously, depending on who you ask) brought back Emperor Palpatine with the line, "Somehow Palpatine returned."

Online, fans have quickly highlighted a long list of characters who've seemingly cheated death in the Star Wars universe:

  • Darth Maul: Sliced in half and fell down a shaft in The Phantom Menace, only to return with cybernetic legs in The Clone Wars and Rebels.
  • Boba Fett: Supposedly consumed by the Sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi, but we saw him alive and kicking (and leading a crime syndicate) in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
  • Asajj Ventress: Resurrected by a ritual in some Expanded Universe stories.
  • Ahsoka Tano: Saved from certain death by Ezra Bridger via time travel in the World Between Worlds in Rebels.

"'They didn't see how Ben Solo was alive' bro y'all literally brought back Palpatine," one fan quipped, a sentiment echoed across social media. The argument is clear: if these characters, some facing far more gruesome "deaths" than Ben Solo, can find a way back, why not the son of Han and Leia?

However, it's worth noting that not all fans are clamoring for Ben Solo's return. Some believe his sacrifice was a perfect and impactful end to his arc, allowing him to achieve what his grandfather Anakin couldn't: saving the person he loved. Undoing this, they argue, would cheapen his redemption. It's a classic Star Wars dilemma: the desire for more beloved characters versus the integrity of their completed stories.

The Future of the Galaxy Far, Far Away (Without Ben Solo)

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While The Hunt for Ben Solo won't be gracing our screens, the Star Wars universe is still expanding rapidly. Fans have plenty to look forward to on the big screen:

  • The Mandalorian and Grogu: Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Pedro Pascal, this film brings the beloved Disney+ duo to theaters. It's also set to feature Sigourney Weaver as a New Republic colonel and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt.
    • Release Date: May 22, 2026
  • Star Wars: Starfighter: With Ryan Gosling set to star and Shawn Levy directing, this film is another exciting prospect.
    • Release Date: May 28, 2027
  • Rey's New Jedi Order Film: Daisy Ridley is confirmed to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker in a Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed sequel. This movie will pick up roughly 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, focusing on Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order.

On the animation front, Visions Volume 3 is also on the horizon. Despite these upcoming projects, the lingering question of what could have been with Ben Solo remains. It's also interesting to remember George Lucas's past comments about Disney's handling of the sequel trilogy, stating, "I was the one who really knew what Star Wars was," and that many original ideas "got lost." Meanwhile, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has firmly denied retirement rumors, asserting, "I will never retire from movies."

Beyond the Screen: The Quest for Ben Solo Merchandise Continues

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The disappointment over the scrapped Ben Solo movie isn't the only grievance fans have. Many are still waiting for a proper Ben Solo action figure! Despite Star Wars' legendary merchandising, where even background characters get their own collectibles, a detailed Ben Solo figure from Hasbro (in their Vintage Collection or Black Series) has been conspicuously absent, with only a Funko Pop available.

Fans argue that it seems like a missed opportunity. Imagine the iconic look of Ben Solo standing proudly alongside Han, Leia, and Luke on your shelf. It speaks to a broader trend where figures from the sequel trilogy, especially The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, haven't received the same extensive treatment as older characters. It's a sentiment that clearly shows how much this character resonates, even without a new movie.

So, while the dream of The Hunt for Ben Solo remains just that – a dream – Adam Driver's revelation has certainly sparked renewed discussion about the character's legacy and the endless possibilities within the Star Wars galaxy. Who knows, maybe one day, the Force will find a way to bring Ben Solo back to the forefront, even if it's just in our fan-made movies in our heads!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Hunt for Ben Solo Adam Driver's Secret Star Wars Movie: The Hunt for Ben Solo That Never Was image 8

What was the title of Adam Driver's proposed Ben Solo movie?

The film Adam Driver pitched with Steven Soderbergh was tentatively titled "The Hunt for Ben Solo."

Why did Disney reject the Ben Solo sequel?

Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman rejected the script because they "didn't see how Ben Solo was alive" after his apparent death at the end of The Rise of Skywalker.

Who was involved in the creation of "The Hunt for Ben Solo" script?

Adam Driver developed the idea with director Steven Soderbergh. Rebecca Blunt outlined the story concept, and Scott Z. Burns wrote the script.

Are there any other new Star Wars movies coming out soon?

Yes, several! Upcoming films include "The Mandalorian and Grogu" (May 22, 2026), "Star Wars: Starfighter" starring Ryan Gosling (May 28, 2027), and a sequel to The Rise of Skywalker that will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey Skywalker rebuilding the Jedi Order.

Sources
  • Deadline: Adam Driver Pitched Kylo Ren ‘Star Wars’ Standalone Movie With Steven Soderbergh, but Disney Rejected Script
  • Variety: Adam Driver Pitched Kylo Ren ‘Star Wars’ Standalone Movie With Steven Soderbergh, but Disney Rejected Script
  • IGN: 'They Didn't See How Ben Solo Was Alive. And That Was That' – Adam Driver Reveals Disney Said No to a 'Really Cool' Kylo Ren Star Wars Movie
  • io9: If We Can’t Get a Ben Solo Movie, Can We at Least Get His Action Figure?
  • GamesRadar+: Steven Soderbergh was working on his scrapped Ben Solo Star Wars movie 10 months ago
  • Polygon: Kylo Ren's death in The Rise of Skywalker should stay permanent, even if Adam Driver wanted a sequel
  • No Film School: We Almost Got a New 'Star Wars' Movie from Soderbergh and Adam Driver
  • The Hollywood Reporter: Adam Driver: Disney Shot Down Ben Solo 'Star Wars' Sequel