Adam Driver’s Ongoing Refusals of Marvel Roles and a Blocked “Star Wars” Sequel

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige disclosed on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that Adam Driver has repeatedly declined offers to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Feige said the pattern of “Zoom[ing] with him and then he passes” has become a “long-lived tradition.” No specific Marvel roles have been confirmed, and Feige added that no “X-Men” casting decisions have been set.

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Driver, an Oscar-nominated actor, is already associated with a major franchise through his portrayal of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in three “Star Wars” films. In the fall of the previous year, he revealed to the Associated Press that he had collaborated with director Steven Soderbergh on a sequel centered on the Ben Solo character. The script was presented to Lucasfilm, then to Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, who rejected the project, stating they “didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive.” The rejection halted the proposed continuation of Driver’s “Star Wars” involvement.

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Feige confirmed Marvel’s interest in working with Driver but emphasized that no casting decisions have been finalized for the upcoming “X-Men” reboot. He also noted that Driver’s refusals are communicated directly and courteously. Disney’s leadership, represented by Iger and Bergman, declined the “Star Wars” sequel proposal, citing narrative concerns about the character’s continuity.

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• “But it’s a tradition to Zoom with him and then he passes. That’s a long-lived tradition. He couldn’t be more cordial. He is usually upfront about how he is feeling.” — Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios

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• “I always was interested in doing another ‘Star Wars,’” — Adam Driver, Actor

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• “We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it. 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.” — Adam Driver, Actor

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• “Studio boss Kevin Feige said on the podcast that no “X-Men” casting choices have been set at this time.” — Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios

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