J.J. Abrams Explains that bridge scene Between Kylo Ren and Han Solo

On a commentary track for the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Blu-ray, Director J.J. Abrams fills us in on exactly what was going through Kylo Ren’s head on that bridge.

Since the release of The Force Awakens one question has burned in the minds of fans as hot as that lightsaber through Han Solo’s heart; why, oh why did you stab your dad through the chest with your super-heated laser sword Kylo? Was Kylo Ren actually considering leaving the dark side that had corrupted him so? Were you just playing with Han’s emotions? Is BenRen an acceptable amalgamation of his names?

Ok so maybe no is asking that last question, but still, fans have wondered to the dark lord’s motivations during that fateful bridge scene that left many of us distraught last December. For the release of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Blu-ray director J.J. Abrams provided an exclusive commentary track. On the track, Abrams had the following to say about BenRen’s motivations on the bridge.

h/t: USA Today 

"Kylo Ren in this moment is actually being convinced to walk away from this. Ben knows that Supreme Leader Snoke is using him but can’t accept it. Deep down, he’s gone too far."

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis)

Ph: Film Frame

© 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.

That was this author’s read on the situation as well, BenRen felt he had gone too far, and had no choice but to continue down the path of the dark side. And what of the setting for Han’s demise? Was that a deliberate choice on the behalf of Abrams? Turns out Abrams was intentionally calling back to the scene from Empire Strikes Back when Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader have their own father-son heart to heart.

"Obviously any time two characters in Star Wars go out on an incredibly thin bridge 10 miles above the ground with no railings, it’s not going to end well with one of them."

More from Dork Side of the Force

• Daniel José Older named a High Republic Adventures character after someone special
• How animation changed Star Wars: Ewoks and Droids
• Kelleran Beq comes to Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
• The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal becomes No. 1 on IMDb’s Starmeter for 2023
• Unwrapping the Star Wars LEGO Advent Calendar: Day 7

Indeed. For more behind the scenes details, pick up a copy of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Blu-ray when its drops in the United States November 15th. You lucky international fans can pick it up October 31st. Happy Halloween!