Every actor has their own process for getting into character. In Adam Driver's case, he approaches playing Kylo Ren in the new Star Wars movies just as seriously as he would any of his other roles, but properly becoming the dark side user requires him to become introspective and solemn. Because of this particular method, Driver actually turned down an opportunity to hang out with Mark Hamill preferring not to get too close with his The Last Jedi costar. Hamill recalled:
He's very moody and intense. I remember saying to Adam, 'I don't know how you work, or your technique. But, at some point, you were my nephew. I probably bounced you on my knee. I probably babysat for you. There's that side, and now we're both estranged from the Skywalker family. All I'm suggesting is, if you'd like, maybe we could go to lunch, we could get together and hang out.'
Among the many highlights of Vanity Fair's recent Star Wars: The Last Jedi coverage, Mark Hamill talked about how he approached Adam Driver about spending some time together. However, Driver turned him down because of how he plays Kylo Ren, to which Hamill said, "And more power to him." Given that Kylo Ren hates Luke Skywalker, one would imagine that Driver prefers to keep some emotional distance between him and Hamill so that he can channel the right kind of feelings towards Luke Skywalker while playing Kylo Ren.
Although Kylo Ren and Luke Skywalker haven't shared any screen time yet in the new Star Wars trilogy, they shared a checkered past. The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Kylo, previously known as Ben Solo, joined his uncle's Jedi Academy, but he later turned to the dark side of the Force, joined the Knight of Ren and helped slaughter Luke's other Padawans. Luke has since exiled himself on Ahch-To, and while he'll be training Rey on the world of the first Jedi Temple, it hasn't been confirmed yet if he'll reunite with his nephew to either lure him back to the light or neutralize him so he can't hurt any others.
Hamill isn't the only one who's noticed Adam Driver's intensity. John Boyega, a.k.a. Finn, mentioned how he and Daisy Ridley try to raise spirits on the Star Wars set when things get too serious. This included Boyega giving Driver random hugs to brighten his mood. When asked how Driver responds to these hugs, Boyega said:
He just stands there. He just waits for me to be done.
That sounds about right. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be released on December 15. You can also look through our comprehensive movie guide to find out what other blockbusters are coming for the rest of 2017.
