John Boyega Says He's Finished with Finn from 'Star Wars'

John Boyega has implied that he has left behind the role of Finn once and for all. Boyega played Finn in the three most recent 'Star Wars' Skywalker saga films. The actor currently stars in BBC’s Steve McQueen series Small Axe and the feature film Naked Singularity.

This most recent revelation came from an exchange on the young star’s Instagram feed. On a post, user @techsteveo wrote enthusiastically about wanting to see Finn in action with his green lightsaber in the next Star Wars Film. Other fans chimed in with similar remarks. Boyega replied to @techsteveo: “lol no thank you. I’ve moved on [heart emoji].”

Not all fans were thrilled with this news. Instagram user @samkim_1 wrote, “really just got those Disney bucks and dipped [laugh crying emoji].” Boyega responded to them with “nope. Not into playing one role for too long. I have more to offer than that. That’s all.”

After the exchange with one of his fans, followers of the young star continued to debate about the sequel trilogy. Star Wars fans have been arguing over the quality of the franchise's movies after every release. Some thought that Boyega took the criticisms of the films seriously, speculating that this may be the reason he really did not want to do another Star Wars film as Finn.

Previously, Boyega has expressed interest in roles beyond Star Wars. Earlier this year, he subtly stated that he and his castmates had moved on when responding to a comment on Twitter. The user, @SGSAMII, called Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker embarrassing.

Boyega stated, “Embarrassing? LOL you wish. Very fulfilling, some disappointments but yet not that big of a deal. Everyone has moved on…..”

Fans of the actor were also discussing whether or not Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford were typecast following their roles in Star Wars. Boyega did not engage his fans in this part of the discussion. He did, however, respond when someone asked about his breakout role in the Attack the Block.

Joe Cornish’s 2011 film is a science fiction horror comedy set on a council estate in South London. Boyega portrayed Moses, an orphaned low-level teenage crook and gang leader. He and his fellow street gang mates have to defend themselves from predatory alien invaders on Guy Fawkes Night. The supporting cast included Jodie Whittaker and Nick Frost.

Attack the Block received critical acclaim throughout its run. It is already considered a cult classic and stands out as one of the best genre mashup films of the decade, according to critic Tom Philip. Another notable film critic, Roger Ebert, praised Boyega’s performance in his theatrical debut.

It is no wonder that Boyega was very enthusiastic about reprising the role that put him and his fellow co-stars on the road to further success. Whittaker went on to become the Thirteenth Doctor on Doctor Who. And, of course, Boyega ended up in Star Wars. Boyega’s response was, “I haven’t played Moses in over a decade. I’d love to revisit him. Now he is a BADASS.”

Activism

John Boyega is evolving beyond Star Wars in other ways as well. As a socially conscious star, he has gotten involved with issues of racial injustice and inequality. He said recently, “Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f--- that.”

Boyega made a compelling speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in London’s Hyde Park this past June. During the peaceful protest which drew thousands, he urged the crowd to seize the moment: “I ain’t waiting. Now is the time.”

Through tears, he went on to say, “I need you to understand how painful this shit is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing, and that isn’t the case anymore…” Though he may have moved away from Star Wars, his former co-stars stand behind him in these endeavors. The franchise itself noted that this is why John Boyega truly is a hero.

Written By: Leana Ahmed

Syndicated from Culture Slate