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You could almost call it the Rise of Solo. Or maybe A New New Hope.
Weeks after it was revealed that the Walt Disney Company had squashed the idea of a Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker spinoff centered on Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo played by Adam Driver, the idea refuses to die amongst fans of the galaxy far far away.
A plane with the banner “Shareholders Want The Hunt for Ben Solo,” the latter part being the hoped-for movie’s title, flew over Disney’s Burbank-based headquarters in the 11 a.m. hour Thursday, just hours after the company had its earnings call.
It’s the latest banner-flying move (fans hired a plane with a banner reading “Save the Hunt for Ben Solo” in late October) and comes the same week as flyers showed up in Los Angeles’ mid-Wilshire area on lampposts and street signs, taking the form of missing persons posters.
“Missing” and “Have You Seen This Man?” flank a photo of Driver as Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren. On top of personal information, it notes that the person was last seen five years and 10 months ago, referring to the release date of The Rise of Skywalker, which occurred in December 2019.
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All this hullaballoo comes after Driver, in an October interview with the Associated Press, revealed he and acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh came up with an idea and how a script was written by Scott Z. Burns. It was even given the thumbs up by Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy.
“We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no,” Driver said. “They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”
Soderbergh confirmed the project and its being blown up, Alderaan style.
The irony here, however, is that Rise of Skywalker has such a poor reputation amongst fans and audiences in general that it killed Star Wars movies for years. Next summers The Mandalorian and Grogu will be the first movie since 2019.
On top of that, the character was killed at the end of the movie in a redemptive act. The idea of resurrecting him would go against his sacrifice and lend more incredulity to the Star Wars franchise’ very loose concept of death, as it has brought back such characters as Emperor Palpatine, Death Maul, and even Boba Fett.
Still, as any decent Star Wars fan could tell you, rebellions are built on hope. And right now there is a hope amongst a faction that their actions can change Jedi minds.
The hunt for Ben Solo: Squashed Star Wars Movie Sparks Fan Action in Skies and Streets
The cancelled Dream: What Happened to ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’?
The Star Wars saga has long captivated global audiences, but the unexpected cancellation of the highly anticipated film The Hunt for Ben Solo stunned fans worldwide. Originally envisioned as a pivotal movie expanding the story of Ben Solo, aka Kylo Ren, the film promised to explore the darker depths of his character beyond previous trilogies. when news broke that the project was shelved indefinitely,the fan community erupted in passionate response.
This scrapped installment marked a rare moment of tension within the Star Wars fandom. Fans felt their much-awaited chance to dive deeper into ben Solo’s complex narrative had been taken away, sparking an energized movement to “find” and honor Ben Solo in creative, visible ways.
Fan Reactions Turn to Action: From Virtual Outrage to Real-World Movement
Unlike typical online petitions, the fan response evolved into multi-dimensional activism, incorporating street rallies, cosplay gatherings, and even aerial light shows representing iconic Star Wars symbols. This movement, termed The Hunt for ben Solo by fans, symbolizes a collective quest to reclaim a lost chapter of the saga.
Street-Level Fan Action
- Cosplay Parades: Fans donning Jedi and Sith costumes convene in major cities worldwide, visually representing the legacy of Ben Solo.
- Flash Mob Performances: Choreographed dances and re-enactments of pivotal Ben Solo moments have taken place in public plazas, drawing widespread social media attention.
- community murals: Artists collaborate to paint murals honoring Ben Solo’s character arc, blending fan art with local culture to keep the spirit alive.
Aerial Displays: The Force Takes to the Skies
Taking inspiration from Star wars’ space battles,drone light shows have become a hallmark of this fan movement.These nocturnal spectacles recreate starships, iconic emblems like the Galactic Empire and the Resistance, and even the silhouette of Ben Solo himself soaring among the stars.
- Drone squads coordinate synchronized flights over urban centers to depict famous scenes from the Star Wars universe.
- Interactive light displays invite spectators to participate, using mobile apps to control visual sequences symbolizing a united fan front.
Key Fans’ Chant: “Find Ben Solo, reclaim the story.”
Impact on the Star Wars Fandom and franchise
This robust grassroots reaction not only underlines the devotion to the saga but also signals to franchise leaders that the demand for expansive storytelling remains strong. Many fans express hope that this campaign will encourage Lucasfilm and Disney to revisit Ben Solo’s narrative in future projects.
| Fan Action | Description | Reach/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Street Cosplay parades | City-wide gathering of fans in character costumes | Thousands across major cities globally |
| Drone Light Shows | Aerial displays recreating Star Wars scenes | Live broadcasts with millions of online viewers |
| Community Murals | Public art projects honoring Ben Solo | Local engagement with lasting physical tributes |
| Online Streaming Campaigns | 24/7 fan streams discussing theories & hopes | Global Star Wars fan community interaction |
The Hunt for Ben Solo: Benefits and Practical Tips for Fans Participating
participating in the fan movement has fostered unique benefits for individuals and communities alike, including:
- Community Building: Fans connect over shared passions, leading to lifelong friendships and collaborative projects.
- creative Expression: Cosplay, art, and drone choreography empower fans to channel creativity in tangible ways.
- Stress Relief: Engaging in group events offering escapism from everyday life stresses.
Tips for Joining the Hunt for Ben Solo Movement
- Find Local Groups: Use social media platforms to identify local Star wars fan clubs organizing events.
- Participate Safely: Follow event guidelines,especially for drone shows and street gatherings.
- Create Content: Share fan fiction, artwork, or videos on your channels using hashtags like #HuntForBenSolo.
- Support Official Channels: Engage with Lucasfilm and Star Wars channels to keep the buzz alive through respectful fan interaction.
Case Study: The New York ‘Hunt for Ben Solo’ Rally
An illustrative example occurred in New York City, where over 500 fans gathered near Times square for a weekend-long rally combined with live DJ music and cosplay contests. This event culminated in a impressive drone light show over the city skyline, specifically crafted to symbolize Ben Solo’s internal conflict and ultimate redemption.
Local news coverage praised the event for its positivity, creativity, and ability to unite diverse groups of people through a shared fandom. Attendees reported feeling energized and hopeful, reinforcing the emotional impact the Star Wars series continues to hold.
Fans’ First-Hand Experiences
Jessica M., a veteran Star Wars fan and cosplayer, shared:
“the cancellation hit me hard. But turning that disappointment into something active-rallying, creating art, flying drones-gives me and others a real sense of purpose.It’s not just about a movie anymore; it’s about our community and our story.”
Another fan, Mark L., piloted one of the drones featured in the new York show:
“Organizing and flying these drones to celebrate ben Solo was thrilling.We wanted to visually show that his story isn’t lost, just paused. The skies became our canvas for hope.”
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