Star Wars: Why Ben Solo’s redemption wasn’t part of original plan in sequel trilogy
Star Wars: Why Ben Solo’s redemption wasn’t part of original plan in sequel trilogy – The actor shares more details about his acclaimed character in the most recent films of the distant galaxy.
By Megan Sauer
Adam Driver is one of the stars of Star Wars in its most recent era with Disney. The actor joined the franchise with the character of Kylo Ren, a troubled and insecure figure who surprised everyone in 2015.
The years have passed and now the American actor talks about this figure from the distant galaxy on The Rich Eisen Show (via Comicbook ), revealing that the redemption arc for Kylo, or rather, Ben Solo, was something that was not initially contemplated.
Kylo Ren has stood out as a complex and compelling character, which contributed significantly to his success. Since his first appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren broke with the tradition of one-dimensional villains in the saga, showing an internal struggle between light and darkness.
The exploration of his emotional conflict, his doubts, and his connection to the franchise’s iconic characters, such as the Skywalker family, gives it depth and makes viewers identify with his complex journey. Here are Driver’s statements about the evolution of his character.
I had an overall arc in mind that [Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams] wanted to do, which then changed, but his idea was that: almost the opposite journey of Vader, where Vader starts off more confident, the most committed to the Dark Side, and in the last film, he is the most vulnerable and weak.
He wanted to start with the opposite, this character was the most confused and vulnerable and, at the end of the three films, he would be the most committed to the Dark Side. I tried to keep that arc in mind regardless of whether it ended up not being the trip anyway, because it changed, obviously, while we were filming. But I was still focused on it.
A memorable character
Kylo Ren’s distinctive visual design, with his mask and crossed lightsaber, also contributed to his aesthetic appeal. Additionally, Adam Driver ‘s compelling performance received praise for bringing to life a tragic and vulnerable villain.
The plot of the sequel trilogy, which gradually reveals his history and motivations, along with his evolution throughout the films, has cemented Kylo Ren as one of the most memorable and successful characters of the new generation of Star Wars.
The end of Ben Solo and the dynamic known as “Reylo” (romantic relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren) in the Star Wars sequel trilogy generated divided opinions among fans of the saga.
Some critics argue that Ben Solo’s redemption, which culminated in him sacrificing himself to save Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was rushed and lacked the depth necessary to justify his changing allegiances.
The transformation from a previously dark character to a redeemed one was perceived by some as too simple and predictable a resolution, leading to disappointment in those hoping for a more complex exploration of his internal conflicts.
As for the Reylo relationship, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that the plot did not lead to a longer lasting connection or a clearer development of a romantic relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren.
The ambiguity in the nature of their connection and the fate of Kylo Ren led to some frustration among those hoping for a more definitive conclusion or deeper exploration of the connection between the two characters.
Varying expectations about the development of these plot elements contributed to polarizing reactions toward Ben Solo’s ending and the “Reylo” dynamic.
There are many fans who want to see Adam Driver return as Ben Solo in the next Star Wars movie, however, at the moment nothing is confirmed. We are only certain that Daisy Ridley will return to action as Rey Skywalker. The film will hit theaters in 2027.
