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In an interview, Adam Driver discussed an ambitious yet unrealized film project with acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh. Their collaboration, titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, was developed over two years and sought to explore the character of Kylo Ren following the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
Driver, who has portrayed Kylo Ren since The Force Awakens, shared his excitement about potentially returning to the Star Wars universe. He noted that discussions about creating a new installment had been ongoing since 2021, driven by his enthusiasm for the role and the promise of a compelling narrative.
The vision for a new adventure
Working closely with Soderbergh, Driver helped develop a narrative centered on themes of redemption and personal growth. They envisioned a film that would be more character-driven than its predecessors, reminiscent of the celebrated The Empire Strikes Back.
Driver described the script as “handmade,” emphasizing the significance of depth in storytelling.
A creative collaboration
The concept for The Hunt for Ben Solo was crafted with the assistance of Soderbergh’s frequent collaborator, Rebecca Blunt, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Z.
Burns. Together, they aimed to revitalize the beloved franchise by offering a fresh perspective on the character’s journey.
Reflecting on his motivations, Driver stated, “I’ve always been open to the idea of another Star Wars film. With a visionary director and a well-crafted story, I would jump at the opportunity.” His commitment to the character and the intricate storytelling potential was evident.
Pitching the project to Lucasfilm
After completing the script, Driver and Soderbergh presented their vision to key figures at Lucasfilm, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Cary Beck. The initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive; they appreciated the unique angle Driver and Soderbergh intended to explore.
However, the excitement was fleeting.
The roadblock at Disney
Following the favorable feedback from Lucasfilm, the project encountered a major setback when the script was presented to Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman. Their response was not as optimistic as the creators had hoped, as they expressed doubts about the feasibility of Ben Solo’s survival, effectively halting the project.
Driver recounted the disappointment, stating, “Lucasfilm understood our vision and why we were passionate about it. But when it reached Disney, they simply didn’t see how Ben Solo could still be alive.” This rejection left both Driver and Soderbergh disheartened, as they strongly believed in the potential of their narrative.
A missed opportunity for fans
In his conversation with the Associated Press, Soderbergh expressed regret over the film remaining merely an idea, stating, “I enjoyed the creative process of making this movie in my mind. It’s unfortunate that fans won’t have the chance to experience it.” Driver echoed this sentiment, referring to it as “one of the coolest scripts” he had ever worked on, underscoring the depth and creativity involved in the project.
Although the journey of The Hunt for Ben Solo may have ended prematurely, the discussions surrounding it highlight a shared passion for storytelling and character exploration within the Star Wars universe. Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren has indelibly impacted the franchise, and the potential for further stories continues to captivate both the actor and his fans.
