John Boyega Talks ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’; Praises Kelly Marie Tran

Star Wars: The Force Awakens spawned multiple breakout performances with its new cast, and one of the standouts was definitely John Boyega’s Finn – the first stormtrooper in the series who removes his helmet. Rian Johnson’s Episode VIII is currently in production, and Boyega is hard at work, both on set and at the gym. He’s even teased on Instagram that “Finn ain’t playing no more.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDko9vtsCkT/?hl=en

The actor was recently at the Cannes Film Festival, accepting the prestigious Trophée Chopard award – commemorating his budding career. He was interviewed by Variety, discussing Rian Johnson’s tone compared to J.J. Abrams:

It’s very easy. Rian Johnson is great. It’s a different take, darker, bigger. Someone will say: “How do you get bigger than ‘Force Awakens?’” But it’s crazy.

He was also interviewed by Vulture to which he sang his praises for his new co-star in Episode VIII, Kelly Marie Tran. When asked about the new addition to the cast, Boyega excitedly answered:

I love her. I love her. I think she’s fantastic. But she’ll tell her own story. I feel it’s always weird or wrong for someone the world hasn’t met, for me to come and start talking about her. 

She’s great. She’s freaking great, and I love her. I freaking love her. She’s fantastic. Seriously. She’s changed a lot in terms of perspective on just chemistry and industry. She’s a real cool girl.

Boyega was also asked about whether Finn would spend a good portion of the film with Tran’s character:

Girl, you know I can’t tell you that! I don’t know what I can and can’t say. But she’s fully in the movie, she’s a great character, and I can’t wait for you guys to be introduced to her.

 

It seems natural that when you get the director of Looper to helm a Star Wars film that it would reach dark realms. I’m excited to see where the story takes us from The Force Awakens and I am happy to see an Asian actress join this next adventure in the galaxy. If Boyega and Daisy Ridley’s castings were any indication, LucasFilm may have found a new breakout star.

Star Wars: Episode VIII comes to a galaxy near you on December 15, 2017.

Sources: Variety; Vulture

 

Noah Villaverde

Noah Villaverde

Cinema lover. Saxophone player. Coffee consumer. Chronic complainer. Oh, I also write. #TeamHeroic