John Boyega- Pacific Rim 2 and Star Wars Episode VIII

 

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John Boyega’s star continues to rise. Star Wars Episode VII and now Pacific Rim 2. Aside from starring in Pacific Rim 2, Boyega will also serve as a producer. UpperRoom Productions, founded by Boyega and agent Femi Oguns, will produce the sequel.

Like many people, I first saw Boyega in Attack The Block, and was thrilled to hear that he was cast in Episode VII. As my review stated, I was disappointed that his character (Finn) mostly ended up being comic relief, which is a role that black characters occupy often. Finn was also not a jedi or padawan like the trailers led us to believe. However, Boyega has hinted the character will grow more in the sequel and a recent picture on instagram revealed a picture of a robe on the set of Episode VII. This is leading some to believe that his character may grow into a jedi in the trilogy.

It’s great to hear official word that Pacific Rim will get a sequel. Boyega will play Stacker Pentecost’s (Idris Elba) son. All other casting is still unconfirmed. Unfortunately, Del Toro will not be returning to direct. Stephen S. DeKnight, who currently serves as the show runner for Daredevil and has previously produced  Spartacus. I’ll keep an open mind about DeKnight. For now, this is a true triumph. People may see Pacific Rim as another generic blockbuster, but I was thrilled to see the mech and kaiju genre brought to the big screen in Hollywood.