Disney Passes on Adam Driver's Planned Ben Solo 'Star Wars' Sequel

Fans of the 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' trilogy carried out hope that Adam Driver's character, Ben Solo (now known as Kylo Ren), a previous villain who was redeemed, may survive in his own follow-up movie. However, in a recent, candid interview, Driver disclosed that a proposed sequel titled 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' developed with director Steven Soderbergh, has been officially shelved by Disney despite early internal support—meaning Ben Solo's story (for now) has come to an end.

Ben Solo's Proposed Sequel

After a turbulent storyline that culminated in his redemption and apparent death in 'The Rise of Skywalker,' Ben Solo—who was first revealed as Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy—went through a transformation. Driver disclosed that he has been in touch with Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy about a new tale since around 2021. He said he would be "there in a second" if the appropriate story and director were involved. 

Image Courtesy: People

Teaming up with Steven Soderbergh, writer Scott Z. Burns and collaborator Rebecca Blunt, they had developed a script for 'The Hunt for Ben Solo,' that was set to take place after the events of Episode IX and described by Driver as "one of the coolest scripts I had ever been a part of." The concept of a character-driven, emotionally intense sequel that explores what might happen following Ben's last act was allegedly adored and supported by Lucasfilm as well.

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Why Disney Pulled the Plug?

Sadly, the concept was rejected by Disney executives, specifically CEO Bob Iger and Co-chairman Alan Bergman, despite Lucasfilm's excitement. Driver gives a direct explanation of their thinking: "They didn't see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that." Disney reportedly felt that the character's arc was concluded by his death in 'The Rise of Skywalker,' and that bringing him back would compromise the trilogy's narrative completion. 

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

Soderbergh expressed his disappointment, stating, "I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I'm just sorry the fans won't get to see it." With the sequel now officially off the table, Driver added, "it is no more, so I can finally talk about it."

What This Means for Ben Solo—and the Franchise

The cancellation is a hint to fans of Ben Solo and the sequel trilogy that Disney and Lucasfilm are letting go of that era, and are concentrating more on new 'Star Wars' storylines, such as upcoming films like 'Star Wars: Starfighter' (2027), and sequels that will explore alternate realities. While Driver's passion for the character is evident and he expressed willingness to return "with a great director and a great story," the closed chapter may mean Ben remains strictly a part of Episodes VII‑IX.  

Ultimately, the decision reflects the tension between creative ambition and corporate narrative consistency—and while this particular sequel won't happen, the 'Star Wars' galaxy will continue to expand in other directions.

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