Director Confirms Disney Cancelled 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' Over Kylo Ren's Fate

Steven Soderbergh says Disney saw no way for Kylo Ren to be 'alive' after 'The Rise of Skywalker'.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a recent interview, director Steven Soderbergh confirmed Adam Driver's previous account that Disney cancelled the planned 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' film due to the company's inability to envision a scenario where Kylo Ren could be presented as 'alive' after the events of 'The Rise of Skywalker'. Soderbergh expressed disappointment over the project's demise, stating that he and Driver had put in 'two and a half years of free work' on the film's development.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' highlights the creative challenges Disney faces in continuing the Skywalker saga after the divisive reception to 'The Rise of Skywalker'. The decision suggests Disney remains cautious about resurrecting major characters like Kylo Ren, even through creative storytelling, in order to avoid further fan backlash.

The details

According to Soderbergh, 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' was set to pick up after the events of 'The Rise of Skywalker' and would have seen Kylo Ren, the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, being revived from the dead through unspecified means. Soderbergh and Driver had developed the project with writer Scott Burns, presenting the script to Lucasfilm which 'loved the idea'. However, Disney leadership, including CEO Bob Iger and Studios CEO Alan Bergman, ultimately rejected the film, stating they 'didn't see how Ben Solo was alive'.

  • In October 2025, Adam Driver discussed the cancelled project in an interview with the Associated Press.
  • Soderbergh recently reiterated details about the film's cancellation in an interview with Brooklyn Magazine's Abe Beane.

The players

Steven Soderbergh

The intended director of 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' who expressed disappointment over the project's cancellation.

Adam Driver

The actor who played Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and was set to reprise the role in 'The Hunt For Ben Solo'.

Bob Iger

The CEO of The Walt Disney Company who ultimately rejected the 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' project.

Alan Bergman

The CEO of Walt Disney Studios who, along with Bob Iger, rejected 'The Hunt For Ben Solo'.

Kathleen Kennedy

The former president of Lucasfilm who was reportedly frustrated by the cancellation of 'The Hunt For Ben Solo'.

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What they’re saying

“We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it. We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no. They didn't see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”

— Adam Driver, Actor (Associated Press)

“I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I'm just sorry the fans won't get to see it.”

— Steven Soderbergh, Director (Brooklyn Magazine)

“We were all frustrated. You know, that was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and Rebecca Blunt. When Adam and I discussed him talking about it publicly, I said, 'Look, do not editorialize or speculate about the why. Just say what happened, because all we know is what happened.' The stated reason was 'We don't think Ben Solo could be alive.' And that was all we were told. And so there's nothing to do about it, you know, except move on.”

— Steven Soderbergh, Director (Brooklyn Magazine)

The takeaway

The cancellation of 'The Hunt For Ben Solo' highlights the creative challenges Disney faces in continuing the Skywalker saga after 'The Rise of Skywalker'. The decision suggests the company remains cautious about resurrecting major characters like Kylo Ren, even through compelling storytelling, in order to avoid further fan backlash.