Tag Archives: character-driven

‘Star Wars’ Tried to Bring Kylo Ren Back to Life in a Steven Soderbergh Movie

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We thought we saw the last of Kylo Ren, aka Ben Solo, in Star Wars, but he almost made a surprising comeback.

In a new interview, Adam Driver revealed that he had recruited none other than Steven Soderbergh to make a movie that would have followed the character after *The Rise of Skywalker*. However, the project was ultimately killed off by high-level Disney executives.

“It was called *The Hunt for Ben Solo* and it was really cool,” Driver told the Associated Press. “But it is no more, so I can finally talk about it.”

Driver explained, “I had been talking about doing another [Star Wars movie] since 2021. Kathleen [Kennedy] had reached out. I always said, ‘With a great director and a great story, I’d be there in a second. I loved that character and loved playing him.’”

He then teamed up with his *Logan Lucky* collaborator, the Oscar-winning Steven Soderbergh. Together with writer Rebecca Blunt, they outlined a story which was pitched to Lucasfilm executives. The response was positive enough that they hired Scott Z. Burns, a frequent Soderbergh collaborator, to write the script.

Driver described the script as “one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of.” With a classic Star Wars character, Lucasfilm’s approval, a killer director, and an exciting script, it seemed like a perfect fit.

So, what went wrong?

“We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,” Driver said. “We took it to [Disney executives] Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”

It’s worth noting that the character dies four times in *The Rise of Skywalker*, so convincing Disney of his survival was clearly a tough sell.

Driver also emphasized that they wanted the movie to be smaller and more affordable than most other Star Wars films. “We wanted to be judicious about how to spend money and be economical with it and do it for less than most but in the same spirit of what those movies are, which is handmade and character-driven,” he explained. “*Empire Strikes Back* being, in my opinion, the standard of what those movies were. But he [Soderbergh] is, to me, one of my favorite directors of all time. He lives his code, lives his ethics, doesn’t compromise.”

In the same piece, Soderbergh commented, “I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.”

So are we, Steven. So. Are. We.

io9 reached out to Lucasfilm for comment and will update this post if we hear back.

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Want more io9 news? Check out:

– When to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases
– What’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV
– Everything you need to know about the future of *Doctor Who*
https://gizmodo.com/kylo-ren-movie-adam-driver-steven-soderbergh-2000674641

Bob’s Burgers Creator Knows The Heartwarming Reason The Belchers Are So Popular

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Although the animated sitcom *Bob’s Burgers* premiered in 2011 to mixed reviews, it is now entering its 16th season more beloved than ever.

Unlike its long-running network peers *The Simpsons* and *Family Guy*, *Bob’s Burgers* is a rare animated sitcom that doesn’t have a clear golden age it has fallen from. There are no “bad” seasons fans can unanimously point to, nor are there any “jump the shark” moments like Principal Skinner being revealed as an imposter on *The Simpsons* or Brian Griffin being killed off on *Family Guy*.

The secret, according to the show’s creator Loren Bouchard, is that the characters of *Bob’s Burgers* have a goal they’re working towards. As he told *Variety* in September 2025:

> “It’s a hopeful show about a working-class family with this irrational, creative, barely profitable dream at the heart of it — the restaurant. And because they never age, we’ll never know if they’ll succeed or if they’ll fail, but we feel their drive and their fundamental optimism, and that’s probably valuable to some folks. Optimism is an underrated and complicated thing. Cynics can dismiss it, but that’s because when it’s done poorly in entertainment, it plays like schmaltz. ‘Bob’s’ is about a grittier, deeper hope and how it works for you, even in hard times.”

Bouchard also praised the characters themselves, noting, “In the end, if you’re making character-driven comedy, then you have to give credit to the characters for any success you might achieve. People have to want to spend time with them.”

When people discuss the differences between *Bob’s Burgers* and shows like *Family Guy* and *The Simpsons*, they often point to the series’ animation styles or differing senses of humor. However, the family business aspect is a crucial factor that is often overlooked.

*The Simpsons* and the Griffins are families without long-term goals beyond going to school or work. Sometimes, one of the characters will start a business, but that adventure is typically wrapped up within 22 minutes. There is an aimlessness to these characters’ lives that quietly haunts the shows, made all the more unsettling by how they never age. These characters aren’t striving for anything, and neither, it seems, are their series.

Admittedly, *Bob’s Burgers* has the advantage of not being as old as these shows. Even as it approaches its 40th anniversary, *The Simpsons* still manages to deliver some “bangers” now and then. One could even argue it enjoyed a mini golden age — perhaps a silver age — from seasons 17 to 21.

Meanwhile, it’s unclear if *Bob’s Burgers* will last as long while maintaining its current high quality. Still, the show is determined to try. As Bouchard explained in that *Variety* interview:

> “We’ll keep making the show as long as people want to see it and as long as we have stories to tell. In some ways, we’re just getting started.”
https://www.slashfilm.com/1999342/bobs-burger-creator-loren-bouchard-why-show-popular/

5 Spielberg secrets to mastering storytelling in film

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**5 Spielberg Secrets to Mastering Storytelling in Film**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 03, 2025, 05:09 PM*

Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential filmmakers of our time, having directed some of the most iconic films in history. His storytelling techniques have inspired countless filmmakers and continue to be studied by aspiring directors. Here are five essential filmmaking lessons from Spielberg that can help you master the art of storytelling. These insights will help you understand how to create engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.

**1. Visual Impact: The Power of Visual Storytelling**
Spielberg’s films are known for their strong visual elements, which often speak louder than words. He uses cinematography to build mood, tension, and character development without relying heavily on dialogue. By focusing on visuals, filmmakers can create more immersive experiences that deeply engage their audiences.

**2. Character Focus: Character-Driven Narratives**
One thing that sets Spielberg’s films apart is their focus on characters. He ensures every character has depth and complexity, making them relatable and memorable. By prioritizing character development, filmmakers can forge emotional connections with viewers, making their stories more impactful and lasting.

**3. Timing Techniques: Mastering Pacing and Timing**
Spielberg has an uncanny knack for pacing his films perfectly, with each scene delivering just the right amount of tension and release. He knows when to accelerate the tempo and when to slow down for dramatic effect. Mastering pacing allows filmmakers to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

**4. Simple Storytelling: Embracing Simplicity**
Many of Spielberg’s best films revolve around simple plots that are rich with emotion and depth. He emphasizes clarity in storytelling over complexity. By keeping narratives straightforward, filmmakers ensure their stories are easily understood while still resonating on an emotional level.

**5. Realism vs. Imagination: Balancing the Two**
Spielberg excels at balancing realism with imagination, making his films believable yet fantastical at the same time. This delicate balance enables him to explore complex themes without losing the audience’s sense of reality or wonder. Filmmakers who master this approach can create stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Incorporating these Spielberg-inspired techniques can elevate your filmmaking and storytelling skills, helping you craft movies that truly captivate and resonate with audiences.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/steven-spielberg-s-filmmaking-legacy-5-lessons/story