After Disney's Rejection, Adam Driver Reveals Star Wars Spinoff Movie Officially Dead, Confirms Done Playing Kylo Ren
Driver rules out a return
Speaking Wednesday, November 4, on The Rich Eisen Show, Driver said his time playing Kylo Ren was over. He added that the planned spinoff would not proceed, explaining that the character’s death was part of the reason.
Driver first played Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Ben, the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia, dies in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
A developed script stalled
Driver had previously described developing The Hunt for Ben Solo with director Steven Soderbergh and writers Rebecca Blunt and Scott Z. Burns. The film would have followed Kylo Ren on another journey.
In the interview, Driver said the team spent two years working seriously on the script as part of a process lasting several years. He praised the finished screenplay but said the decision was not his to make. Lucasfilm had shown interest in the concept, but Disney executives rejected it, according to Driver’s earlier account.
Fans rallied for the film
Asked whether he would make the movie if Disney reconsidered, Driver said he would be willing, while stressing that the choice belonged to others. He added that he thought the chance had passed.
Driver said the fan response exceeded his expectations. He noted campaigns that included billboards and planes flown over Disney in support of the project.
Key points
- Driver says he is finished playing Kylo Ren and the spinoff will not move forward.
- The Hunt for Ben Solo was developed with Steven Soderbergh, Rebecca Blunt and Scott Z. Burns.
- Driver said Disney executives rejected the project despite Lucasfilm interest.
- Fan campaigns supporting the movie surprised Driver, who thinks the opportunity has passed.