Steven Soderbergh Opens Up About ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’: ‘It Really Did Need to Remain a Secret’
Soderbergh Speaks Out About ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ After Adam Driver Reveals the Secret Project
Steven Soderbergh, the director behind Ocean’s Eleven and Traffic, is opening up about his much-discussed but ultimately unmade Star Wars movie, The Hunt for Ben Solo. The project, which would have seen Adam Driver reprise his role as Kylo Ren (or Ben Solo) after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, has captivated fans since Driver accidentally revealed its existence during an interview.
On Monday, Soderbergh took to BlueSky to share his thoughts, admitting that keeping the project a secret had been a difficult but necessary task. “For the record, I did not enjoy lying about the existence of ‘THE HUNT FOR BEN SOLO,’” he wrote. “But it really did need to remain a secret… until now!”
A Story of Redemption: What We Know About ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’
The Hunt for Ben Solo was to be set in the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker, where Ben Solo (Kylo Ren) embarks on a journey of redemption. The story, which would have delved deeper into the character’s psyche, was described by Driver as “one of the coolest” projects he had ever been a part of, underscoring the significance of the role and the unique narrative direction.
Driver’s comments have left many wondering what the film could have looked like on screen. Soderbergh, known for his mastery of complex storytelling, seemed eager to explore a more introspective angle of Kylo Ren’s character. However, the project was ultimately rejected by Disney after the script was reportedly completed, marking it as the first time Lucasfilm had ever turned down a fully developed film script.
Soderbergh’s Candid Reflections on the Project’s Cancellation
While fans were left disappointed, Soderbergh seemed genuinely conflicted about the need for secrecy. “I really enjoyed making the movie in my head,” he said in an earlier interview with AP, adding that he felt a sense of regret that Star Wars fans would never get to experience this version of Kylo Ren’s story. Still, he acknowledged that the film’s cancellation was part of the creative process within the Star Wars franchise, which often has tight oversight when it comes to the direction of its films.
“I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it,” he reflected on Friday, expressing the difficulty of discussing the project with fans eager to know more. But Soderbergh, who has built a career on his ability to work within complex studio systems, understands the reality of filmmaking — and the unpredictability of what gets greenlit or rejected.
Fans Make Their Voices Heard: A Banner in the Sky
As news of the unmade film continues to circulate, fans are not backing down. In a show of support for the project, a group of die-hard Star Wars enthusiasts organized a skywriting stunt to draw attention to their cause. On Friday, a plane towed a banner reading “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo” over Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, urging Disney to reconsider the project’s potential future.
The unusual move was documented by Collider, with a reporter capturing the banner in action as it flew above the studio. The stunt highlights just how passionate fans have become about the idea of seeing Kylo Ren’s redemption arc play out on the big screen, and how much they want to see more from the character.
Looking Forward: Could ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ Ever See the Light of Day?
As of now, it seems unlikely that The Hunt for Ben Solo will ever be officially resurrected. Disney has made its stance clear, with the script ultimately rejected and no immediate plans for a sequel or spin-off centered on Kylo Ren. But with the Star Wars universe constantly expanding, especially in television with projects like The Mandalorian and the upcoming Acolyte, there’s always the possibility that elements of the story could one day resurface in another form.
For now, Soderbergh and Driver can only look back with fondness at what could have been, while fans continue to dream about what it would have been like to see the film unfold on the big screen.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or a Hidden Gem?
While Star Wars fans may never get to see Kylo Ren’s redemption story in the form Soderbergh envisioned, the revelation of The Hunt for Ben Solo has sparked renewed interest in the possibilities for the character. Steven Soderbergh’s candid comments give us a glimpse into the unrealized potential of the film, and the skywriting stunt by fans is a testament to how deeply Star Wars has resonated with audiences around the world.
Whether or not the project will ever come to fruition, it’s clear that Kylo Ren’s journey continues to captivate the hearts of fans, and the story of The Hunt for Ben Solo may just be one of the great “what ifs” of the modern film industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Steven Soderbergh admits that keeping the Kylo Ren movie a secret wasn’t easy but necessary.
- Adam Driver called the unmade film “one of the coolest” projects he’s been a part of.
- Fans are rallying to bring the movie back with a skywriting stunt over Disney’s headquarters.
What Do You Think?
Would you have wanted to see The Hunt for Ben Solo? Do you think Kylo Ren deserved his own redemption arc in the Star Wars universe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
