The fallout from Disney’s shifting Star Wars strategy continues to reverberate through Hollywood, with prominent directors publicly questioning the studio’s decisions. The latest voice to express frustration is Steven Soderbergh, who revealed he spent two and a half years developing a Ben Solo-centered film, The Hunt for Ben Solo
, only to have it scrapped by Disney leadership.
The project, conceived as a continuation of Ben Solo’s story following ‘s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
, had reportedly gained momentum within Lucasfilm. Adam Driver, who portrayed Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the sequel trilogy, previously described the script as one of the coolest scripts I had ever been a part of
in an interview with AP News. However, the film ultimately met its end when presented to Disney CEO Bob Iger and co-chairman Alan Bergman.
According to Soderbergh, the stated reason for the cancellation was a belief that Ben Solo could not be alive.
He shared this information in a recent interview with BK Mag, emphasizing the lack of further explanation. And that was all we were told. And so there’s nothing to do about it, you know, except move on,
Soderbergh said. The director acknowledged the frustration felt by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who he said was frustrated
by the decision, adding, We were all frustrated.
The cancellation of The Hunt for Ben Solo
is part of a larger pattern of stalled or abandoned projects at Lucasfilm in recent years. Following the divisive reception to The Rise of Skywalker
, the studio has struggled to establish a clear path forward for the franchise, leading to numerous shelved projects and a greater reliance on streaming content. This has fueled discontent among fans who feel the potential of the sequel trilogy’s characters has been left untapped.
Soderbergh’s experience isn’t isolated. Director Justin Simien has also publicly expressed grieving
over an abandoned Star Wars project, though details surrounding his involvement remain scarce. These instances highlight a growing concern within the industry about creative control and the business decisions impacting major franchises.
The Ben Solo character, in particular, has become a focal point for fan discussion. Introduced as the villainous Kylo Ren, his arc culminated in a redemption storyline that resonated with many viewers. The possibility of exploring his journey beyond The Rise of Skywalker
held significant appeal, making the cancellation of The Hunt for Ben Solo
particularly disappointing for those invested in his character.
The situation also raises questions about the future of Star Wars storytelling. While Disney has continued to release content within the universe, the lack of a cohesive theatrical plan has left some fans feeling uncertain about the franchise’s direction. The studio’s decision-making process, particularly regarding projects centered around established characters, is now under increased scrutiny.
Disney’s rationale for rejecting the Ben Solo film – the assertion that the character couldn’t realistically be alive – has been met with skepticism by some, given the established precedent of characters returning from the dead within the Star Wars universe. This perceived inconsistency has further fueled criticism of the studio’s creative choices.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that a sequel-sequel trilogy feels inevitable, citing continued engagement with sequel-era characters. However, the fate of those characters, and the potential for further exploration of their stories, remains uncertain. The cancellation of The Hunt for Ben Solo
serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood development and the challenges of navigating the complexities of a beloved franchise.
Soderbergh, while expressing disappointment over the wasted effort, ultimately acknowledged the need to move on. I’d kind of made the movie in my head, and just felt bad that nobody else was going to get to see it,
he said. The director’s comments underscore the personal toll that such cancellations can take on creatives, even those with established careers and a track record of success.
The incident also highlights the power dynamics within the entertainment industry, where studio executives ultimately hold the authority to greenlight or reject projects, regardless of the creative vision or effort invested. The story of The Hunt for Ben Solo
is a cautionary tale about the risks inherent in developing projects within a large corporate structure and the potential for creative endeavors to be derailed by business considerations.
