Adam Driver Talks Developed ‘Ben Solo’ Star Wars Script

Before leaving for Budapest to shoot “Alone With Dawn” with Director Ron Howard, actor Adam Driver met with a AP reporter and spoke briefly about his new film, Father Mother Sister Brother, and that he spent over two years developing a “Star Wars” sequel.

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Driver revealed that not only would he consider a return to the Star Wars franchise, he had pitched a script with Steven Soderbergh that ultimately got shot down.

The actor said that the script, which was developed by Soderbergh and Rebecca Blunt, and written by Scott Z. Burns, was “one of the coolest” he’s ever read. The story was set years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that ended with Kylo Ren’s redemption and apparent death. Driver felt there was some “unfinished business” with the character of Ben Solo and with a great story he’d be back.

“I always was interested in doing another ‘Star Wars,’” Driver revealed. “I had been talking about doing another one since 2021. Kathleen (Kennedy) had reached out. I always said: With a great director and a great story, I’d be there in a second. I loved that character and loved playing him.”

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According to Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, Cary Beck, and Dave Filoni at Lucasfilm, responded enthusiastically but the higher powers just couldn’t go along with the idea.

“We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”

The script, which had a working title of “The Hunt for Ben Solo,” was conceived as a sequel film that explored Kylo Ren’s survival and spiritual reckoning.

“It was really cool,”But it is no more.” Driver said. “I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.” Driver added.

Had the film ever been greenlighted, Driver’s The Hunt for Ben Solo would’ve probably been a major hit amongst diehard fans who have waited patiently for more from beyond the Saga. In 2016, when the Star Wars sequel trilogy provided a comeback to the film adventures, I myself was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to see where the franchise would go after a decade or more hiatus; however, as Disney abruptly ended the saga, more and more details have come out about projects and announcements of films that never happened. I’ve since become increasingly worried about the future of the franchise.

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There have been so many ways that Disney could move forward but have decide an uneven path. Now we are left with Disney’s current output of series and films which has become convoluted at best. The complexity and sheer volume of content have led to a sense of “franchise fatigue” for many viewers. 

The idea behind The Hunt for Ben Solo will just have to remain as an alternate chapter in the seemingly never-ending Star Wars canon that now joins the long list of what-ifs from Disney and Lucasfilm.

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All is not lost, so let us weigh in on the positives. Lucasfilm’s next films to be released are The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter. We also have the hit series Ahsoka, which has Season 2 on the way on Disney+. Driver’s non-Star Wars-affiliated film, Father Mother Sister Brother exclusively hits select theaters this December.

Lots of things to be excited about. You just have to wonder, though: what if?

May the Force be with you…

_Lucasfilm