Legendary Pictures has cast Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega as the lead in their Pacific Rim sequel!
Hankering for some more John Boyega? Then you’re in luck! According to a new report by Deadline, the actor will star in the Pacific Rim sequel as the son of the character played by Idris Elba in the original. The film will begin production later this year and will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight.
Cale Boyter is serving as the executive producer for the film while Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and del Toro will produce with Boyega and Femi Oguns. Parent confirmed Boyega’s casting by saying, “It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today’s generation of young leading men.”
del Toro also commented on the casting, “I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”
Fans can also see Boyega in upcoming projects The Circle, Star Wars: Episode VIII, as well as the BBC miniseries Watership Down. Boyega’s career certainly seems to be taking off and we’ll be keeping an eye on him as he does. Mostly we just can’t wait to see him return to the Star Wars franchise!