Adam Driver recently revealed details about a scrapped Star Wars spinoff, The Hunt for Ben Solo, which he developed with director Steven Soderbergh. Despite initial enthusiasm from Lucasfilm, the project was rejected by Disney executives. Now, a new update casts further doubt on Driver’s potential return to the Star Wars franchise as Ben Solo, with industry sources indicating no plans for his character’s revival, particularly in light of impending leadership changes at Lucasfilm.
Industry insider Jeff Sneider recently reported, “I was assured that there are no plans for him to return to the Star Wars franchise, especially with [Kathleen] Kennedy expected to step down from her post early next year.” This statement suggests that Driver’s return as Ben Solo, whether in The Hunt for Ben Solo or another project, is unlikely in the near term. The mention of Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy’s potential departure adds another layer of complexity, as her exit could reshape the franchise’s creative direction.
Kennedy’s tenure as Lucasfilm president has been marked by significant developments, including the sequel trilogy, where Driver portrayed the conflicted Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren. While Kennedy has denied immediate plans to retire, she has acknowledged discussions with Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman about succession, indicating that a leadership transition may occur in the coming years. The timeline for this change remains unclear, with Kennedy currently overseeing projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu, set for release on May 22, 2026, and Star Wars: Starfighter, slated for May 28, 2027.
A new Lucasfilm president could steer Star Wars toward fresh narratives, potentially prioritizing new characters and eras over revisiting the Skywalker saga. Projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, and Star Wars: Starfighter, helmed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, signal Disney’s focus on expanding the galaxy beyond familiar figures. This shift might sideline opportunities to explore Ben Solo’s story further, despite Driver’s expressed interest in returning to the role.
Driver’s performance as Ben Solo remains a highlight of the sequel trilogy, with his arc from Kylo Ren’s darkness to redemption as Ben Solo resonating deeply. The Hunt for Ben Solo aimed to explore his post-The Rise of Skywalker journey, navigating the aftermath of his redemption. Lucasfilm’s enthusiasm for the project, coupled with Soderbergh’s involvement, suggested a bold vision, but Disney’s rejection halted its progress.
Notably, Soderbergh revealed that The Hunt for Ben Solo marked a rare occurrence for Lucasfilm, stating, “I asked Kathy Kennedy if LFL had ever turned in a finished script for greenlight to Disney & had it rejected. She said no, this was a first.” This underscores the significance of Disney’s decision to pass on the fully completed script. Other potential avenues for Driver’s return, such as a Force ghost appearance in Star Wars: New Jedi Order, which follows Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order, also appear unlikely based on current reports.
Star Wars: New Jedi Order has faced its own challenges, cycling through multiple writers as Lucasfilm refines its story. While this ongoing development could theoretically open the door for Ben Solo’s return, no concrete plans exist at this stage. The Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, with upcoming films poised to explore new corners of the galaxy, but for now, Driver’s return as Ben Solo remains a distant prospect.
