Disney's Star Wars plans have suffered yet another setback.
The franchise has struggled to maintain a consistent theatrical schedule since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) concluded the Skywalker Saga. Although Lucasfilm has announced several new movies over the years, projects from filmmakers including Patty Jenkins and Taika Waititi have faced lengthy delays.
In May 2026, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu finally returned the franchise to theaters after a seven-year absence. The film earned approximately $345 million worldwide, making it the lowest-grossing live-action Star Wars movie.
Next up is Star Wars: Starfighter, which stars Ryan Gosling and is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027. Directed by Shawn Levy, the standalone movie takes place approximately five years after The Rise of Skywalker and introduces an entirely new cast of characters.
Lucasfilm is also developing a new trilogy written by Simon Kinberg, with Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) director Jon Watts reportedly attached to direct the first installment.
However, one planned sequel featuring an established Star Wars character has seemingly reached the end of the road.
Disney Rejected Plans to Continue the Skywalker Saga
In October 2025, Adam Driver revealed that he had spent two years developing a movie centered on Ben Solo, better known as Kylo Ren.
Titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, the proposed sequel would have picked up after The Rise of Skywalker, which saw Driver's character abandon the dark side of the Force and sacrifice himself to save Rey (Daisy Ridley).
The film was set to be directed by Steven Soderbergh, whose previous credits include Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Contagion (2011). Driver worked alongside Soderbergh and writers Scott Z. Burns and Rebecca Blunt to develop the screenplay.
Unlike many proposed Star Wars projects, The Hunt for Ben Solo progressed beyond the initial concept stage. A completed script was submitted to Lucasfilm, where it reportedly received support from the company's leadership.
However, Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman ultimately rejected the proposal because they couldn't understand how Ben Solo could still be alive after his apparent death.
The decision inspired an extensive fan campaign to revive the movie. Supporters purchased billboards and organized aerial advertisements over Disney's corporate offices in Burbank, California, demanding that the company reconsider.
Even leadership changes at Disney and Lucasfilm haven't improved the project's prospects.
In January 2026, Kathleen Kennedy stepped down as Lucasfilm president, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan assuming leadership roles. Josh D'Amaro subsequently replaced Iger as Disney CEO in March.
However, Soderbergh told The Playlist in April that he had no intention of attempting to revive the project.
“Look, if it was gonna happen, it would have happened,” he said. “It's that simple.”
Filoni also addressed the campaign during D23 in August, indicating that the film wasn't part of Lucasfilm's plans. Now, Driver has delivered another disappointing update.
Adam Driver Says His ‘Star Wars’ Return Is Over
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on November 4, Driver was asked whether he expected to reprise his role as Kylo Ren.
“Yeah, it's over… No more ‘Star Wars,'” he responded, seemingly ruling out another appearance in the franchise.
The actor revisited Disney's decision to reject The Hunt for Ben Solo, explaining that he and Soderbergh had invested considerable time in developing the movie.
Driver described their completed screenplay as “really good,” but acknowledged that the final decision rested with Disney executives.
When asked whether he would consider returning if the company reversed its decision, Driver didn't dismiss the possibility entirely.
“I think the ship has sailed though,” he admitted. <Cite ref=”turn448938search1″/>
Driver also addressed the extraordinary response from fans, describing their support as “pretty incredible.” He admitted he hadn't anticipated the billboards and planes calling for the movie's revival.
Despite his latest comments, some supporters remain convinced that Ben Solo could return in a different project.
“Ben Solo will come back! If not in #thehuntforbensolo it will be in Episode X,” wrote one fan on X, referencing speculation about Lucasfilm's developing trilogy.
Another fan wrote, “Call me absolutely INSANE but if Disney said pick one of these movies and they will be made – Darth Vader movie, The Hunt for Ben Solo movie, Old Republic movie – I’m picking The Hunt for Ben Solo.”
Others have criticized Disney for abandoning the character, particularly given that the franchise has previously resurrected supposedly dead villains, including Emperor Palpatine.
“There goes the only good character in the entire trilogy, godspeed to Kylo Ren,” said one Reddit user. “He was genuinely as good as the best from the prequels.”
For now, Lucasfilm's next projects include season two of Ahsoka, arriving on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, and Starfighter, which hits theaters in May.
Meanwhile, Daisy Ridley's proposed return as Rey Skywalker remains in development, although the project has yet to receive a confirmed release date.
Disney has made no public announcement suggesting that The Hunt for Ben Solo will be reconsidered. With both its director and leading actor expressing doubts about its future, the sequel appears unlikely to move forward.
Do you think Disney should bring back Ben Solo?
