Adam Driver has recently unveiled a fascinating behind-the-scenes tale of a potential Star Wars sequel centered on the enigmatic Ben Solo, better known as Kylo Ren, despite Lucasfilm's enthusiastic support. The Oscar-nominated actor, who brought to life the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, and the grandson of Anakin Skywalker (a.k.a. Darth Vader), before becoming the villainous Kylo Ren, shared this intriguing nugget during an interview with The Associated Press.
"I've always been intrigued by the prospect of another Star Wars adventure," Driver revealed. "I've been discussing the possibility since 2021, with Kathleen [Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm] reaching out to me. I always said, 'With a visionary director and a captivating story, I'd be there in a heartbeat.' I adored that character and relished playing him."
The Megalopolis actor further shared that he took his idea to the acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, who along with Rebecca Blunt, outlined a story concept that would follow the events of 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. (Driver also starred in 2015's The Force Awakens and 2017's The Last Jedi.)
After Soderbergh and Blunt had penned a script that Driver described as "one of the most exhilarating (expletive) scripts I've ever been a part of," they approached Scott Z. Burns to bring it to life. "We presented the script to Lucasfilm, and they loved it," Driver continued. "They fully grasped our vision and the reason behind it."
However, as things seemed to be moving forward at a rapid pace, with the tentative title of The Hunt for Ben Solo, there was one more hurdle to clear – the Disney executives. "We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, and they said no," Driver recalled with a sigh. "They couldn't see how Ben Solo could still be alive. And that was that."
Despite the disappointment of not seeing his character's redemption arc explored further in a potential sequel, Driver remains philosophical about it. "While the idea was truly thrilling," he added, "it's no more, so I can finally share it." Soderbergh echoed this sentiment in a statement to The Associated Press, saying, "I truly enjoyed constructing this movie in my mind's eye. I'm just sorry the fans won't get to see it."
