The Force is strong with this one... and it wants Ben Solo back! The internet is buzzing, social media is ablaze, and fans are clamoring: is there any chance of a return for Kylo Ren? It all started when Adam Driver revealed he and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh had spent years developing The Hunt For Ben Solo, only to have it ultimately rejected by Disney. Now, the demand for Ben Solo is everywhere.
From GIFs of the redeemed villain wielding his blue lightsaber to 'Missing' posters and even a plane flying over Disney studios with a 'SAVE #THEHUNTFORBENSOLO' hashtag, the fandom is clearly invested. As Luke Skywalker famously said in The Last Jedi, "No-one's ever really gone."
So, how 'gone' is The Hunt For Ben Solo? For now, it seems quite gone. Driver himself has stated that the project is no more, which is why he's now able to discuss it publicly. The ones who seemingly put the lightsaber through Solo's potential revival? Current Disney CEO Bob Iger and Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could the power of the fans resurrect this project? History suggests it's possible. Fan enthusiasm has previously revived projects like Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and even prompted Warner Bros. to invest an additional $70 million in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Did Driver and Soderbergh's comments ignite a spark, hoping to revive the project through fan support? Or is it truly a lost cause?
The Star Wars sequels were massive hits, and the Kylo Ren story was a huge part of that success. What is remarkable is the volume of excitement from all corners of the Star Wars fandom, including those who have defended the sequel films. The script, penned by Scott Z. Burns, based on a story by Soderbergh and Rebecca Blunt, was even approved within Lucasfilm. This outpouring of love from fans makes sense: the Star Wars sequels were massive hits and the story of Kylo Ren was a huge part of that experience.
Now is the time for a Star Wars sequel revival. This year marks a decade since The Force Awakens arrived in cinemas. The saga has looked elsewhere since The Rise Of Skywalker – exploring the prequel and original trilogy eras in animation and live-action, and the New Republic era through The Mandalorian. The sequel era has remained untouched. Fans have had long enough to miss Kylo Ren – and Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron. Their return would be a genuine event.
It seems Star Wars is looking to push into the future again. Star Wars: Starfighter, set five years after The Rise Of Skywalker, is in production, and Daisy Ridley is confirmed to return as Rey. The Hunt For Ben Solo would have arrived at the perfect time, re-introducing a trilogy with so much to love.
According to Driver, Iger and Bergman's main issue was that Ben Solo is dead. However, Lucasfilm approved the film, implying a creative solution was found. The title, The Hunt For Ben Solo, hints at a quest, suggesting his return might not be so simple.
And this is the part most people miss... There are ways to bring Ben back without undermining the stakes. Many suggest the World Between Worlds, a physical manifestation of the Force. However, the World Between Worlds is more about knowledge and wisdom, not resurrection or time travel. A more compelling option would be exploring the 'Force Dyad', the mysterious power binding Rey and Kylo Ren. This power is unique to these characters, and using it to revive Ben Solo would be a rare event, not a cheap trick.
Adam Driver wants Ben Solo to return. Steven Soderbergh, Rebecca Blunt, and Scott Z. Burns want him back. Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Lucasfilm want him back. Reylos, sequel haters, and casual fans want him back. Maybe Disney will see the potential.
What do you think? Would you like to see Ben Solo return? Do you agree that the Force Dyad could be a plausible way to bring him back? Share your thoughts in the comments below! "No-one's ever really gone."
