Disney Vetoed Adam Driver’s Planned Ben Solo Star Wars Sequel

Adam Driver has revealed a canceled Star Wars movie centered on his character, Ben Solo. The actor confirmed that Lucasfilm approved the project. Disney executives ultimately shut it down.

Driver discussed the unmade sequel in a recent interview with The Associated Press. He expressed his long-standing interest in returning to the galaxy far, far away.

From Concept to Rejection: The Untold Story

Driver said he took his idea to filmmaker Steven Soderbergh. The project, tentatively titled “The Hunt for Ben Solo,” was set after “The Rise of Skywalker.” Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns drafted the script.

Driver described the resulting screenplay as exceptionally compelling. He presented it to Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and her team.

According to Driver, Lucasfilm loved the story concept. They understood the creative angle completely. The project seemed to be moving forward.

The final hurdle was approval from Disney leadership. Driver and the team took the script to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman. The Disney executives rejected the idea.

Their primary objection was the character’s status. Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren, died at the end of the last film. They did not see a narrative path for his return.

A Creative What-If for the Star Wars Universe

The rejection ended a significant creative endeavor. Driver expressed his fondness for the character and the unmade story. He noted the project is definitively over.

Steven Soderbergh also lamented the outcome in a statement. He said he enjoyed making the movie in his head. The filmmaker expressed regret that fans will never see it.

This revelation highlights the complex development process for major franchises. Even with star power and a top-tier creative team, corporate approval is not guaranteed. It leaves a notable “what-if” in modern Star Wars lore.

The planned Ben Solo Star Wars sequel remains one of the most intriguing canceled projects. It showcased a beloved actor’s desire to continue his character’s journey, a journey that ultimately ended not with a lightsaber, but with a corporate memo.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the title of the canceled Star Wars movie?

The project was tentatively titled “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” It was conceived as a direct sequel to “The Rise of Skywalker.” The story would have followed the redeemed character after his apparent death.

Who was involved in developing the Ben Solo sequel?

Adam Driver initiated the project with director Steven Soderbergh. Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns was brought on to write the script. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and her team reportedly supported the idea.

Why did Disney executives reject the film?

Bob Iger and Alan Bergman reportedly did not see how Ben Solo could be alive. The character had a redemption arc and died saving Rey in the final film. This canonical death was the central point of contention.

Could a Ben Solo story ever happen now?

Adam Driver has stated the project is definitively over. His recent comments confirm he is finally talking about it because it is “no more.” This suggests the creative window for this particular story has closed.

How did Adam Driver feel about the script?

Driver described the script as one of the coolest he had ever been part of. He expressed great love for playing the complex character of Ben Solo and Kylo Ren. His enthusiasm for the unmade project was clearly evident.