John Boyega doesn’t regret speaking out about the racism he experienced after joining ‘Star Wars’. His stance has inspired many young actors of color in the industry to speak their truth about similar experiences.
The 33-year-old actor was cast as Finn in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, and John felt it was important to speak out about the racist abuse that he endured after joining the film franchise. The trilogy, which began with ‘The Force Awakens’, introduced Boyega to global audiences and became a defining moment in his career.
“I just didn’t like it. It just went against my point of view,” the London-born actor told Us Weekly. “I thought that, in my position, it’s great for people to know how we are related to this. As much as I’m in this position, I still have family friends who are in the real world; [not] in this Hollywood bubble. They get affected by these issues. So to not speak up about it, in my position, that made no real sense to me.” Boyega’s comments resonated with many fans and industry professionals, sparking important conversations about representation in major film franchises.
John has been able to lean on several mentors during his time in the movie business. These relationships have been crucial for navigating the complexities of Hollywood as a Black actor.
“There’s been Robert Downey Jr, who’s mentored me. I would say Jamie Foxx, who mentored me. Femi [Oguns], my agent. My father, Samson Boyega,” the actor shared. “So many people over the years, but [many of them] happened to be good black men and women who have gone to spaces that I haven’t necessarily gone to. Then, sharing their wisdom from there.'” These mentorship connections have helped shape Boyega’s career choices and approach to challenging industry situations.
John spoke out about the racism that he experienced during an interview with GQ magazine in 2020. The candid conversation became one of the most discussed entertainment interviews of that year across social media platforms.
“I’m the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race. Let’s just leave it like that,” the movie star said at the time. “It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you. Because you realize, ‘I got given this opportunity but I’m in an industry that wasn’t even ready for me.’ Nobody else in the cast had people saying they were going to boycott the movie because [they were in it].” His comments sparked a broader conversation about how major studios handle diversity and inclusion both on-screen and behind the camera.
Since his Star Wars role, Boyega has been selective about his projects, focusing on films that tell diverse stories and working with directors committed to authentic representation. His production company, UpperRoom Productions, has invested in developing stories that center on African narratives and characters.
Industry experts have noted that Boyega’s willingness to speak openly about his experiences has helped pave the way for structural changes in how major franchises approach casting and character development for actors of color. Several studios have since implemented more comprehensive diversity initiatives and anti-racism policies.
Boyega‘s stance also encouraged several other actors from major franchises to share similar experiences, creating a domino effect of accountability across the entertainment industry. Fan communities have likewise become more vocal about supporting actors who face discriminatory treatment.
The actor has maintained his commitment to speaking truth to power while continuing to build an impressive filmography that showcases his range and talent. His performance in “Small Axe” earned him a Golden Globe, further cementing his status as one of his generation’s most compelling performers.
Despite the challenges he faced, Boyega has expressed gratitude for the platform Star Wars provided him and the connections he made through the experience. He continues to be an influential voice for change in Hollywood while focusing on projects that fulfill his creative vision and speak to important social issues.
