‘Star Wars’ Fans Demand Ben Solo Movie Over Disney Studios

The galaxy far, far away recently witnessed a moment of significant fan activism, as dedicated ‘Star Wars’ enthusiasts took to the skies over Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. This aerial demonstration, featuring a banner proclaiming “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo,” was a direct response to actor Adam Driver’s revelation that a proposed standalone film centered on his character, Kylo Ren (also known as Ben Solo), had been rejected by Disney executives. The news of the scrapped project, which Driver had been developing for two years with acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, sparked considerable disappointment and a rallying cry among a segment of the fanbase eager for more of Ben Solo’s story.

The Genesis of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’

Adam Driver, who portrayed the complex and conflicted Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, confirmed in an October 20, 2025, interview with the Associated Press that he had been actively involved in developing a new ‘Star Wars’ film. The project, titled ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo,’ was envisioned to take place after the events of ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Driver expressed a long-standing interest in revisiting the ‘Star Wars’ universe, stating he had been discussing another film since 2021 and was always open to returning for a great story and with a great director.

Adam Driver’s Vision and Soderbergh’s Involvement

Driver collaborated with Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh on the screenplay for ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo.’ Soderbergh, known for films like ‘Traffic’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ brought in his frequent collaborators Rebecca Blunt and Scott Z. Burns, who worked on the script. Driver had previously worked with Soderbergh on ‘Logan Lucky’ and Burns on ‘The Report,’ indicating a strong creative rapport among the team. Driver lauded the script, comparing its “handmade and character-driven” feel to that of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and calling it the “standard” of what a ‘Star Wars’ movie “should be.” Soderbergh himself echoed this sentiment, lamenting that fans would not get to see what he described as “one of the coolest scripts” he had ever been a part of.

Disney’s Decision and Fan Reaction

Despite the creative team’s enthusiasm and support from Lucasfilm executives, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Cary Beck, the project ultimately did not move forward. Driver revealed that when the script was presented to Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, they rejected it, reportedly citing concerns about how Ben Solo could be alive after the events of ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ This decision ignited a passionate response from ‘Star Wars’ fans, many of whom hold a strong affection for the character of Ben Solo and believed his story arc warranted further exploration. The character’s journey from the villainous Kylo Ren to his redemption as Ben Solo resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a desire for more content focusing on his post-‘Rise of Skywalker’ fate, even if hypothetical.

The “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo” Banner Stunt

The fan outcry escalated into a tangible protest when a group of ‘Star Wars’ enthusiasts funded a plane to fly a banner over Walt Disney Studios. The banner, emblazoned with the message “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo,” was a clear and public demonstration of their dissatisfaction with Disney’s decision. This aerial protest, captured and shared widely online, highlighted the depth of feeling within the community and their hope that Disney might reconsider the project. Such direct actions underscore the passionate engagement of the ‘Star Wars’ fanbase and their willingness to advocate for the stories and characters they cherish.

The Broader Context of Star Wars Film Development

The rejection of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ script comes at a time when the ‘Star Wars’ feature film slate has seen several projects delayed, stalled, or ultimately scrapped since ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ This context likely amplified the frustration among fans, who perceive a lack of clear direction or consistent output from the franchise’s cinematic division, especially when compared to the successful expansion into television series on Disney+. The next confirmed ‘Star Wars’ movie, ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ is slated for release on May 22, 2026, continuing the popular Disney+ series on the big screen. Another project, ‘Starfighter,’ directed by Shawn Levy and reportedly starring Ryan Gosling, is in production and aiming for a May 28, 2027, release.

Conclusion

The “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo” campaign, epitomized by the plane banner flying over Disney Studios, illustrates the powerful connection between fans and the ‘Star Wars’ universe. Adam Driver’s revelation about the rejected Kylo Ren film, developed with Steven Soderbergh, tapped into a collective desire for more stories that delve into beloved characters and complex narratives. While Disney’s reasons for declining the project are rooted in established canon, the fan response serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of these characters and the fervent hope among many that the rich potential of their stories will continue to be explored on the big screen.