Adam Driver, known for his portrayal of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, recently opened up about his experiences working on the franchise. Despite the commercial success and his significant paycheck, Driver expressed a sense of exhaustion and dissatisfaction with his time in the Star Wars universe.
A Journey of Exhaustion and Artistic Conflict
Driver, who has become one of the most sought-after actors in recent years, found his experience in Star Wars to be particularly draining. He described the studio system as cumbersome and felt that he was wasting a lot of energy trying to satisfy fans instead of fulfilling his own artistic desires. This sentiment was emphasized during his appearance on the Smartless podcast, where he shared his reflections on working in such a large-scale studio environment.
Kylo Ren: A High-Profile Role with Mixed Feelings
Kylo Ren remains Driver’s most popular role to date, and while the Star Wars sequel trilogy achieved huge commercial success, Driver’s personal take on the experience was less enthusiastic. Despite receiving substantial compensation, he recently expressed displeasure about his time in the franchise, indicating a preference for character-driven roles over big-budget studio films.
Moving Beyond Star Wars
Post-Star Wars, Adam Driver has shifted his focus to more character-driven projects. His roles in films like “House of Gucci,” “The Last Duel,” and “Ferrari” reflect his preference for narratives that prioritize character development over spectacle. He values storytelling where spectacle takes a back seat, as he explained in relation to his role in Michael Mann’s “Ferrari”.
Conclusion: The Complexities of Stardom and Artistic Integrity
Adam Driver’s candid discussion about his Star Wars experience sheds light on the complexities and challenges actors face in the film industry. His journey highlights the tension between commercial success and personal artistic fulfillment, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of working on blockbuster franchises.