Adam Driver and director Steven Soderbergh recently explored a new avenue for the “Star Wars” franchise with a proposed film titled “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” This project aimed to delve into the character of Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, following the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.”
Developing the New “Star Wars” Film
Driver shared that he and Soderbergh spent two years developing the script. They collaborated with Rebecca Blunt, known for her work on “Logan Lucky,” to establish the story. Scott Z. Burns later contributed to the writing process. Driver expressed his ongoing interest in continuing the “Star Wars” saga since 2021.
A Vision for Redemption
Driver envisioned “The Hunt for Ben Solo” as a character-driven narrative, reminiscent of the classic “The Empire Strikes Back.” He noted that the film was designed to explore themes of redemption. Driver stated, “I loved that character and loved playing him.” His commitment to the role remained strong, emphasizing the need for a compelling story and director.
Pitched to Lucasfilm
The script was pitched to key figures at Lucasfilm, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Cary Beck. According to Driver, they responded positively to the concept. “They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,” he said.
Challenges with Disney
Despite Lucasfilm’s enthusiasm, the project faced hurdles at Disney. When the proposal reached Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, they declined the project. They expressed doubt about the feasibility of Ben Solo’s return in the storyline.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the experience, Soderbergh lamented that fans would not have the opportunity to see the film. Driver described the script as “one of the coolest” he had worked on. Lucasfilm has chosen not to comment on the project.
Background on Kylo Ren
- Driver first appeared as Kylo Ren in “The Force Awakens” (2015).
- He reprised the role in “The Last Jedi” (2017) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019).
