If you’re still holding out hope for one Star Wars project to hit the big screen, we have some bad news.
Over the years, Lucasfilm has gained a not-so-positive reputation for jumping the gun when it comes to movie announcements. Projects such as Rey’s standalone movie, Taika Waititi’s Star Wars project, and Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron have all disappeared into the abyss (although some remain optimistic that Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey Skywalker could still see the light of day).
For now, the only new film 100% hitting theaters is Star Wars: Starfighter, which will mark Ryan Gosling’s debut in a galaxy far, far away. The franchise has also slowed down on Disney+, where season two of Ahsoka is the only WIP live-action project.
Last year, Kylo Ren actor Adam Driver made waves when he confirmed that his return to Star Wars was axed by Disney. Fans were devastated to the point of hiring planes to fly messages over The Walt Disney Company’s offices in Burbank (yes, really), pleading for the project’s greenlight.
But judging by Driver’s recent comments, this may have been in vain.
Adam Driver Confirms Death of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Driver was asked whether he expects to reprise his role as Kylo Ren in the future. His response was blunt. “Yeah, it’s over… No more ‘Star Wars,'” he said, seemingly putting an end to any hopes of reviving The Hunt for Ben Solo.
As reported by Variety, Driver reiterated that Disney executives rejected the project because Ben Solo died in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Despite Lucasfilm’s enthusiasm for the proposed sequel, former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman refused to approve it.
The movie was considerably further along than many of Lucasfilm’s abandoned projects. Steven Soderbergh was attached to direct, while Driver spent approximately two years developing the screenplay alongside Soderbergh and writers Scott Z. Burns and Rebecca Blunt. The actor described their completed script as “really good.”
During the interview, Eisen asked whether Driver would consider returning if Disney eventually changed its mind. While he didn’t rule out the possibility entirely, the actor made it clear that he wasn’t expecting a reversal. “I think the ship has sailed though,” he admitted.
Driver also acknowledged the extraordinary campaign launched by Star Wars fans following news of the cancellation. He described their response as “pretty incredible,” admitting that he hadn’t anticipated the billboards and aerial demonstrations demanding the movie’s revival.
Soderbergh expressed similar doubts about the project’s future earlier this year, suggesting that it would already have happened if it were going to happen. Unless Disney changes course, Ben Solo’s story appears to have ended with The Rise of Skywalker.
However, the Star Wars fandom – particularly Reylos – aren’t easily deterred. Driver’s comments have failed to cool enthusiasm and optimism for the project.
“Ben Solo will come back! If not in #thehuntforbensolo it will be in Episode X,” wrote one fan on X, referring to recent theories that a new trilogy overseen by Marvel Cinematic Universe alumnus Jon Watts could feature sequel characters such as Rey, Finn (John Boyega), and, of course, Ben Solo.
Others have continued to criticize the move – especially considering Disney’s willingness to bring back other characters (cough, Palpatine) with little to no explanation or rationale.
“There goes the only good character in the entire trilogy, godspeed to Kylo Ren,” said one Reddit user. “He was genuinely as good as the best from the prequels.”
A fan on X wrote: “Call me absolutely INSANE but if Disney said pick one of these movies and they will be made – Darth Vader movie, The Hunt for Ben Solo movie, Old Republic movie – I’m picking The Hunt for Ben Solo.”
Another said, “Disney’s mismanagement of the SW property needs to be studied, a comical list of mistakes this long is hard to imagine.”
Ben Solo’s story seemingly came to an end in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. After abandoning his Kylo Ren identity and returning to the light side of the Force, Ben joined Rey in confronting Emperor Palpatine on Exegol. He ultimately sacrificed his life to resurrect Rey, sharing one final kiss with her before disappearing into the Force.
However, death has rarely been permanent in the Star Wars universe.
A sequel could explore Ben’s existence within the Force, potentially following his attempts to return to the physical world. Alternatively, the film could revisit his past or explore the consequences of his actions as Kylo Ren, offering a more substantial redemption arc than his brief transformation in The Rise of Skywalker, as well as potentially developing his romantic relationship with Rey, with whom he shared a dyad in the Force.
Do you think Disney should bring back Ben Solo?
