Former Star Wars Director Loves The Hunt for Ben Solo Idea

As fans continue to rally for the resurrection of a Star Wars project that was shelved before it even began, one key figure from the franchise has come forward with his enthusiastic support. Rian Johnson, who directed Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), has recently shared his opinion on the potential of The Hunt for Ben Solo, a film that would follow Driver’s character, Ben Solo, after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

In a recent interview, Johnson, who was instrumental in shaping the story arc of Ben Solo/ Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi, expressed excitement about the idea of exploring more of the character’s journey. Despite the project being shut down by Disney, Johnson’s support adds significant weight to the growing fan demand for the film.

With The Hunt for Ben Solo remaining just a concept for now, here’s a closer look at why the film has captured the imagination of Star Wars fans, why Rian Johnson is backing the project, and the broader implications of this ongoing push for a Ben Solo-focused movie.

The Key Players Behind The Hunt for Ben Solo

Name	Role	Contribution
Adam Driver	Ben Solo / Kylo Ren	Lead actor, bringing emotional depth and complexity to the role of Ben Solo.
Steven Soderbergh	Director	Known for innovative storytelling, his involvement promises a unique take on Star Wars.
Rian Johnson	Director of The Last Jedi	Strong supporter of Ben Solo’s character, brings insights into character development.
Bob Iger	CEO, Disney	Key figure in the rejection of the Hunt for Ben Solo project.
Alan Bergman	Chairman, Disney Studios	Helped block the project, citing concerns about Ben Solo’s death in The Rise of Skywalker.

What is The Hunt for Ben Solo?

The concept for The Hunt for Ben Solo emerged as a fan-driven idea that gained traction after the release of The Rise of Skywalker. The movie would follow Ben Solo (formerly Kylo Ren), played by Adam Driver, after he died in the conclusion of The Rise of Skywalker. According to reports, Adam Driver and director Steven Soderbergh pitched the concept to Disney executives, with the aim of continuing the story of the conflicted character who spent much of the sequel trilogy torn between the light and the dark sides of the Force.

However, the project faced an immediate roadblock when it reached the upper echelons of Disney’s leadership. Despite the intrigue generated by the concept, Disney executives, including Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, reportedly did not understand how the story could be told since Ben Solo died at the end of The Rise of Skywalker. This confusion led to the shelving of the project, with no immediate plans for it to move forward.

Nonetheless, the idea has inspired a passionate fanbase, and the movement to revive the project has been growing since its initial rejection.

Rian Johnson’s Support for The Hunt for Ben Solo

As one of the most vocal supporters of the Ben Solo character and the actor behind him, Rian Johnson—who directed Adam Driver in The Last Jedi—has recently shared his thoughts on the proposed Hunt for Ben Solo film. During an interview with Collider, Johnson expressed his excitement about the idea of seeing Driver reprise the role, emphasizing his admiration for the actor and the character’s potential for further exploration.

“Take my money! I only know what I read about it online,” Johnson said when discussing the idea of a Ben Solo movie. “I didn’t know anything about it, but who knows how things are developed these days? But man, I will watch Driver in anything, but I would love to see him play that character again.”

Johnson’s words reflect not only his support for the film but also his belief in the compelling nature of Ben Solo as a character. Throughout The Last Jedi, Johnson took great care in developing the character of Ben Solo, diving deep into his internal conflict and motivations. Given the conclusion of the sequel trilogy, fans and filmmakers alike have been intrigued by the idea of revisiting this character—especially one as complex and morally ambiguous as Ben Solo.

The Fan Campaign to Save The Hunt for Ben Solo

Despite the film’s rejection by Disney, The Hunt for Ben Solo has inspired an outpouring of fan support. Since news of the potential project first surfaced, Star Wars fans around the world have rallied behind the idea, sparking a grassroots movement to save the film.

Campaigns have included letter-writing efforts, petitions, and even rallies in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Fans have organised to send letters to Disney executives, urging them to reconsider their decision and give the movie a chance. In addition, a plane flew over Disney’s Burbank lot in November 2023 with the message: “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo”—a clear sign that the fanbase is determined to have their voices heard.

The public outcry has been significant enough that it has captured the attention of major media outlets, further fueling the fire for the project to be revisited. Support for the film is not limited to die-hard fans, either. Hollywood figures like Rian Johnson, who worked closely with Driver on The Last Jedi, have been vocal in expressing their desire to see the character’s journey continue.

“Ben Solo’s story was unfinished,” said Samantha Foster, a long-time Star Wars fan and organiser of the New York rally. “The character had so much more to offer, and Adam Driver’s performance was one of the highlights of the sequel trilogy. This movie would give us the closure we deserve, and it’s something we need to see on the big screen.”

Why The Hunt for Ben Solo Matters?

The desire for a Ben Solo movie is not just about giving fans more of a beloved character. It also speaks to a larger cultural shift in Star Wars fandom and Hollywood. Over the years, Star Wars has explored themes of redemption, identity, and the battle between light and dark. Ben Solo’s arc in the sequel trilogy touched on these themes deeply, making his journey one of the most compelling in the saga.

Driver’s portrayal of the character was lauded for its emotional depth, showcasing a troubled hero grappling with his inner demons. For many fans, Ben Solo’s death in The Rise of Skywalker felt like an incomplete chapter, leaving them wanting more.

“Ben Solo’s redemption arc is one of the most compelling stories in modern cinema,” said David Adams, a Star Wars historian. “The character has so much more to explore, especially in a post-Rise of Skywalker world. A film about Ben Solo could be a story about healing, about understanding one’s legacy, and about finding a path forward. It’s something that resonates with audiences of all ages.”

Moreover, bringing Ben Solo back could also provide an opportunity to explore untapped narratives within the Star Wars universe. It could offer new dimensions to the Force, explore themes of grief and growth, and introduce new conflicts and characters that align with the saga’s long-standing tradition of exploring moral and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by The Hunt for Ben Solo, the movement to bring this movie to life shows no signs of slowing down. With passionate support from fans and key figures like Rian Johnson, the idea of seeing Ben Solo’s journey continue remains a tantalizing prospect. Whether Disney reconsiders their decision or not, one thing is clear: the legacy of Ben Solo—through Adam Driver’s performance and the character’s enduring appeal—will continue to spark discussion and excitement for years to come.

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