Actor Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy brought a distinct intensity that left a lasting impact both on the franchise and the animation industry. This intensity led to the creation of a unique feature in recording studios known as the “Adam Driver bar,” designed to support voice actors handling demanding performances like his.
The Physical Support That Originated From Driver’s Performance
During a conversation on BBC’s The One Show, actor Dave Franco shared a revealing anecdote about the recording booth setup tailored for intense voice performances. When Franco first entered the booth, he noticed a sturdy metal bar installed in front of him and asked about its purpose.
“So, when I first went into the recording booth, I remember stepping in and there was this metal bar in front of me. I was like, ‘Guys, what’s the bar all about?’ And they were like, ‘If you wanna lean on it, you can.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m going to lean on the bar.’ Cut to the end of the session, I am gripping that bar with all my might. I’m dripping sweat.”
– Dave Franco, Actor
This bar, dubbed the “Adam Driver bar” within industry circles, was reportedly inspired by the actor’s demanding voice work as Kylo Ren. Wyatt Russell, who appeared as a guest on the show, acknowledged the bar’s reputation and admitted having heard the rumors before.
I’ve heard of this! I was gonna say something, and I didn’t say anything.
– Wyatt Russell, Actor
Franco further explained that the bar’s creation was a direct result of Driver’s intense vocal efforts in the studio while portraying Kylo Ren. According to him:
Yeah, so I guess when he was playing Kylo Ren, there was some voice stuff that he did in the studio, and I guess he just needed something to hold on to.
– Dave Franco, Actor
Franco added that Driver’s invention unexpectedly revolutionized certain animation recording sessions.
And he invented this thing that changed animation forever.
– Dave Franco, Actor
Wyatt Russell highlighted Driver’s ingenuity in creating the bar and emphasized its effectiveness during intense performances.
Adam Driver’s a genius, Russell added, noting that the bar really works.
Adam Driver’s Desire to Return to the Star Wars Universe
Despite Kylo Ren’s dramatic end in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, with the character redeeming himself as Ben Solo before dying, Adam Driver has expressed a strong interest in revisiting the Star Wars saga. His character sacrificed himself after defeating Emperor Palpatine alongside Rey, bringing closure to his storyline but not to Driver’s association with the role.
Driver reportedly collaborated with director Steven Soderbergh to develop a new Star Wars film that would continue Ben Solo’s story. The project initially gained internal approval at Lucasfilm, and a script was written. However, the idea was ultimately rejected by Disney executives who believed the character’s death was definitive and could not be undone.
The Lost Star Wars Project ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’
Promoting his film Father Mother Sister Brother, Adam Driver revealed that the new Star Wars project, entitled The Hunt for Ben Solo, had been in development for approximately two years alongside Steven Soderbergh and writer Rebecca Blunt. He described the script as one of the most compelling he had been involved with.
I had been talking about doing another one 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,
– Adam Driver, Actor
The storyline was pitched to Lucasfilm executives Kathleen Kennedy, Cary Beck, and Dave Filoni. Following their approval, Scott Z. Burns was brought in to draft the screenplay, which Driver highly praised.
one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of.
– Adam Driver, Actor
Executive Decisions End the Ben Solo Film’s Development
Despite the enthusiasm from Driver and the creative team, the project stalled after being reviewed by Disney’s top leadership. Bob Iger and Alan Bergman were reportedly the executives who decided not to proceed, citing disbelief in Ben Solo’s return.
We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,
– Adam Driver, Actor
We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.
– Adam Driver, Actor
Director Steven Soderbergh expressed regret over the film not coming to fruition, saying:
I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.
– Steven Soderbergh, Director
Soderbergh Reflects on the Cancelled Project
In early 2026, Soderbergh discussed his disappointment with the cancellation during an interview with BK Mag. He conveyed the frustration shared by the creative team after dedicating years of work to the project without it advancing.
We were all frustrated, Soderbergh remarked, noting the effort involved.
You know, that was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and [writer] Rebecca Blunt. When Adam and I discussed him talking about it publicly, I said, ‘Look, do not editorialize or speculate about the why. Just say what happened, because all we know is what happened.’ The stated reason was, ‘We don’t think Ben Solo could be alive.’ And that was all we were told. And so there’s nothing to do about it, you know, except move on.
– Steven Soderbergh, Director
Soderbergh further shared his disappointment that audiences would never see the film, despite his detailed vision.
I’d kind of made the movie in my head, and just felt bad that nobody else was going to get to see it,
– Steven Soderbergh, Director
I thought the conversation was strictly going to be a practical one—where they go, what is this going to cost? And I had a really good answer for that. But it never even got to that point. It’s insane. We’re all very disappointed.
– Steven Soderbergh, Director
The rejection of this project marks another chapter in the complex relationship between Star Wars storytelling ambitions and corporate decision-making, highlighting the challenges of expanding beloved characters’ narratives once their arcs have concluded. Meanwhile, Adam Driver’s influence on voice performance standards continues to be felt across animation and recording studios, a testament to the enduring power of his portrayal of Kylo Ren.
ben solo. that's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/y8cPwRpxoq
— Vader's Order (@VadersOrder) October 23, 2025
