Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren is one of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars franchise. He is seen as an extremely complex character and as someone who manages to stand against the most powerful characters of the series. There have been many critically acclaimed projects in which the actor has best portrayed his talent. However, none have been like Ren, the one fans best know him as.
Despite his recognition because of the character, there had been many ways in which the series failed his arcs. One of the most significant moments for his character happened to be one that changed what morals Ren stood for. His redemption as Ben Solo had been one taken both positively and negatively. Driver confirmed that the scene itself was never part of the original idea.
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Kylo Ren’s Ultimate Redemption Changed His Character
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker changed Kylo Ren’s story from being an antagonistic character to a son who was neglected. Adam Driver’s iconic character was humanized in front of the audience, making him a villain given a spark of hope, one that turned him to see the light rather than the dark side. Despite always seeing his mother, Leia Skywalker, in a negative light, a change was seen in him upon seeing her whither away.
Seeing her dedicate her last moments and energy for him, instead of the rest of the world affected Ben Solo in a way that nothing else could. In the end, it was with the help of his mother and father that Ren managed to change himself from within and thus be able to help Rey. Although many could not agree with this sudden change in events, it came to be regardless. The entirety of what this character stood for came to see a change, something that was never meant to be in the first place.
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A Change That Was Never Meant to Come
Knowing how significant and conclusive this was for Kylo Ren’s character, it is interesting to find out that originally, this wasn’t the original plan. During an interview with The Rich Eisen Show, via Adam Driver Archive, it was revealed by Adam Driver that originally it was a lot different. He mentioned that it was always supposed to be that this character would descend into the dark side and be the perfect villain for this series. It would show his shades of black get darker and darker with each passing film, with the trilogy climaxing with him being the strongest Sith version.
“[Ben Solo] was never part of it,” said Adam Driver.
This was what the actor put his efforts into portraying throughout his time on the franchise, which made it all the more confusing when the story did a complete 180. Instead, they choose to redeem this character. This change and introduction of Ben Solo were done by J.J. Abrahms during the last film, having to abandon all that he did for an antagonist and having to, instead, make all this fit with this new narrative.
