The Unmade Star Wars Film: The Hunt for Ben Solo

Steven Soderbergh's unproduced film, "The Hunt for Ben Solo," was intended to follow the character Ben Solo, portrayed by Adam Driver, after the events of 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker." The project was developed over two and a half years with contributions from writer Rebecca Blunt. Initially, the concept received positive feedback from Lucasfilm executives, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Cary Beck. However, the project was ultimately halted by Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, who expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Ben Solo's survival.

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Soderbergh revealed that the primary reason for the film's cancellation was Disney's belief that "Ben Solo could not be alive." This decision was made without any discussions regarding the film's budget or production costs, which Soderbergh found perplexing. He noted, “I thought the conversation was strictly going to be a practical one—where they go, what is this going to cost? And I had a really good answer for that. But it never even got to that point. It’s insane. We’re all very disappointed.”

The WrapSteven Soderbergh Describes Disney’s Decision Not to Make ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ as “Insane”Variety Magazine

Adam Driver expressed his disappointment, stating he had been eager to return to the "Star Wars" universe and had been discussing the project since 2021. He described the script as the "standard" for what a "Star Wars" film should embody, likening it to the character-driven storytelling of "The Empire Strikes Back." Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in the sequel trilogy, also voiced her support for the project, acknowledging the fans' enthusiasm and the collective positivity surrounding the campaign to revive the film.

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Following Driver's revelation about the film's cancellation, "Star Wars" fans mobilized on social media, advocating for Disney to reconsider its decision. Some fans even hired a plane to fly a banner reading "Save 'The Hunt for Ben Solo'" over Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Ridley remarked on the fans' support, stating, “It’s good for us to all be united about something in a really positive way.”

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In a recent interview, Soderbergh reiterated the disappointment felt by the team involved in the project, emphasizing that this was the first time a completed script had been rejected by Disney. He stated, “For the record, I did not enjoy lying about the existence of ‘THE HUNT FOR BEN SOLO,’ but it really did need to remain a secret…until now!”

The Wrap

While Soderbergh and Driver have consistently expressed their disappointment regarding the cancellation, there has been no official statement from Disney explaining the rationale behind their decision beyond the assertion that Ben Solo's survival was not plausible. This lack of clarity has left fans and industry observers questioning the decision-making process within Disney regarding the "Star Wars" franchise.

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"The Hunt for Ben Solo" remains a notable example of a highly anticipated project that was ultimately shelved, leaving fans to ponder what could have been. The film's cancellation has sparked discussions about the future of the "Star Wars" franchise and the potential for reviving beloved characters in new narratives.

Variety Magazine