Star Wars Fans Launch Billboard for Ben Solo’s Return

‘Star Wars’ fans have recently intensified their efforts to revive a seemingly shelved project titled ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’, a proposed film focusing on the redemption arc of Adam Driver’s character, Ben Solo, following the events of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. This grassroots movement has captured attention through high-profile initiatives, including a billboard campaign in New York City, demonstrating the enduring passion and hope of the fanbase.

The campaign, symbolized by the slogan ‘No One’s Ever Really Gone’, a poignant line from the ‘Star Wars’ saga, underscores fans’ belief that Ben Solo’s story still has unwritten chapters. The billboard at 1500 Broadway, located between 43rd and 44th Streets, prominently featured the message “For Adam. No one’s ever really gone. Hope lives. Ben is alive! #THBS”, directly appealing to both the actor and the overarching narrative themes of the franchise.

The Genesis of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’

The concept of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ first gained significant public awareness when actor Adam Driver, who portrayed Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the sequel trilogy, discussed the project in an interview. He revealed that discussions for a potential return to the character had been ongoing since 2021, with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy reportedly reaching out to him.

Driver expressed his willingness to reprise the role, contingent on a compelling story and the involvement of a skilled director. The project, as he described it, was envisioned as a quest for redemption for Ben Solo. The creative team involved notable talents, with Steven Soderbergh contributing to the screenplay alongside Rebecca Blunt and Scott Z. Burns.

Why the Project Was Shelved

Despite the intriguing premise and the caliber of talent attached, ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ ultimately did not move forward. According to Driver, after the script was presented to Lucasfilm, the idea was well-received by their team. However, when brought to higher-level executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, the project faced rejection.

The primary reason cited for the shelving was a fundamental disagreement over Ben Solo’s fate, with executives reportedly not seeing how the character could realistically be alive after the events of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. Steven Soderbergh later confirmed the project’s existence on social media, expressing regret that fans would not get to see the film he had “made in [his] head.”

The Fan Uprising: Billboards and Beyond

The revelation that ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ had been canceled sparked a determined response from the ‘Star Wars’ community. Fans, deeply invested in Ben Solo’s character arc and potential for redemption, launched a multi-pronged campaign to urge Disney and Lucasfilm to reconsider.

The Plane Banner Initiative

Prior to the New York City billboard, the campaign gained initial traction when fans funded a plane to fly a banner over Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The banner conspicuously read “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo”, making a clear and public statement directly to the studio. This initial aerial display highlighted the organized and passionate nature of the movement.

The Times Square Billboard

The subsequent billboard in Times Square represented an escalation of the campaign’s visibility. Placing a message in one of the world’s most iconic and heavily trafficked locations aimed to reach a broader audience and apply greater public pressure. The specific messaging, “For Adam. No one’s ever really gone. Hope lives. Ben is alive! #THBS,” resonated deeply with the emotional core of Ben Solo’s story and the fans’ desire for his return.

The Significance of Ben Solo’s Character

Ben Solo, initially introduced as Kylo Ren, the conflicted son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, became a central figure in the sequel trilogy. His journey from darkness as a First Order leader to a moment of redemption at the saga’s conclusion resonated with many viewers. Fans connected with his struggles with the dark side, his lineage, and his ultimate sacrifice.

The idea of ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ proposed exploring the character’s life after his turn back to the light, offering a unique perspective on redemption and the enduring impact of choices made within the ‘Star Wars’ universe. For many, his story felt incomplete, and the possibility of further exploration through a dedicated project represents a chance to provide a more definitive closure or even a new beginning for a beloved, complex character.

Conclusion

The fan campaign to save ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ stands as a testament to the passionate and engaged community surrounding the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Through coordinated efforts like plane banners and prominent billboards, fans are articulating a clear desire for further exploration of Ben Solo’s narrative. While the project’s future remains uncertain, the persistent efforts highlight the significant impact characters can have on audiences and the powerful voice of a dedicated fanbase.