Soderbergh on Secret “Star Wars” Project: Keeping It Hidden

The cinematic world was recently abuzz with an unexpected revelation from director Steven Soderbergh, shedding light on a secret “Star Wars” project titled “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” Soderbergh, known for his diverse and often unconventional filmography, expressed that while keeping the project under wraps was not enjoyable, its secrecy was paramount until its recent disclosure.

The news came to light when actor Adam Driver, who portrayed Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, revealed the unmade film in an interview. Soderbergh subsequently confirmed the details on social media, adding layers to the intriguing narrative of a “Star Wars” film that almost was.

The Genesis of a Secret “Star Wars” Project

“The Hunt for Ben Solo” was envisioned as a direct continuation after the events of 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” The film aimed to explore Ben Solo’s journey toward redemption, a compelling prospect for many fans who felt his character arc warranted further development. Adam Driver himself lauded the script, describing it as “one of the coolest” projects he had ever been a part of.

Driver had reportedly been discussing another “Star Wars” film since 2021, driven by a desire to continue Ben Solo’s story, which he felt had “unfinished business” after the sequel trilogy. He approached Soderbergh, with whom he had previously collaborated, and together with screenwriter Rebecca Blunt (Soderbergh’s wife) they developed the story. Scott Z. Burns, known for his work on films like “Contagion,” was then brought in to pen the screenplay, reportedly earning a significant sum for his contribution.

Soderbergh’s Dilemma: The Burden of Secrecy

In his BlueSky post, Soderbergh stated, “For the record, I did not enjoy lying about the existence of ‘THE HUNT FOR BEN SOLO,’ but it really did need to remain a secret…until now!” This sentiment underscores the tight-lipped nature of major film projects, especially within a franchise as heavily scrutinized as “Star Wars.” The director had previously commented on the project, lamenting that he “really enjoyed making the movie in my head” and was “sorry the fans won’t get to see it.”

A Unique Rejection in Lucasfilm History

Perhaps one of the most striking details to emerge from this revelation is the unprecedented nature of the project’s rejection. Soderbergh recounted asking Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy if Lucasfilm had ever submitted a finished movie script for greenlight to Disney only for it to be rejected. Kennedy’s response confirmed that “The Hunt for Ben Solo” was a first.

The film was reportedly far beyond an initial pitch; it had a finalized script, a proposed start date, and a final budget. Lucasfilm leadership, including Kennedy, Cary Beck, and Dave Filoni, were reportedly enthusiastic about the concept. However, when the project reached Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, it was ultimately rejected. Their primary concern revolved around the narrative continuity, specifically “how Ben Solo was alive” after his death in “The Rise of Skywalker.” Sources close to the production have suggested that the decision may have been “politically motivated,” coinciding with Iger’s succession planning at Disney.

Fan Reaction and the Call to Action

The news of “The Hunt for Ben Solo” and its cancellation quickly ignited passionate responses from the “Star Wars” fanbase. Many expressed disappointment and frustration, viewing it as a missed opportunity to further explore a complex and beloved character. In a notable display of fan dedication, a group commissioned a plane to fly over Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, towing a banner that read “Save ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’”. This act mirrored previous fan campaigns for other unreleased or altered film projects, highlighting the fervent desire among some to see this particular story brought to life.

What Might Have Been: A Character-Driven Saga

While specific plot details remain largely under wraps, Driver indicated that the film would have been a more intimate, character-driven story, aiming to emulate the tone and spirit of “The Empire Strikes Back.” This approach suggests a departure from the grand-scale conflict of recent “Star Wars” films, focusing instead on Ben Solo’s internal struggle and path to self-discovery post-redemption. The central mystery would have revolved around his whereabouts after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Conclusion

The revelation of Steven Soderbergh’s “The Hunt for Ben Solo” offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes complexities of major film franchises. It underscores the passion of creators like Soderbergh and Driver for character-driven storytelling, the rigorous development process, and the ultimate corporate decisions that shape cinematic landscapes. While the project remains unmade, the strong fan reaction and the unique circumstances of its rejection ensure that “The Hunt for Ben Solo” will continue to intrigue “Star Wars” enthusiasts for years to come, serving as a compelling ‘what if’ in the saga’s extensive history.