John Boyega Says Star Wars Should Be More Progressive

When actor John Boyega appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it was a historic moment marking the first time a person of color featured in a starring role in the saga.

Characters like Lando Calrissian and Mace Windu had their moments in the spotlight, but they were always on the periphery. But the newest film in the saga was as much about Boyega’s turncoat Stormtrooper as it was about the abandoned woman on Jakku.

The actor spoke with Metro about his role in the new Star Wars trilogy, revealing his thoughts on Lucasfilm’s responsibility to expand the inclusion and representation.

“There definitely is that responsibility, but more the responsibility to hire those from those experiences to share their creative light, that’s the pivotal thing,” Boyega said. “Because if you just hire the same sort of people you’re just getting the same sort of film. It’s not wrong, but then there’s a lack of variety. I think ‘Pacific Rim [Uprising]’ handles that in a very unique way.”

Boyega is also starring in the upcoming Pacific Rim: Uprising, with the first trailer premiering last week at New York Comic Con. That movie will also mark his first foray into filmmaking as a producer with his company UpperRoom Productions.

Fans responded to Boyega’s chemistry with Oscar Isaac, inspiring many shippers of Isaac’s Poe Dameron and Finn. Boyega addressed the relationship between Finn and Poe and how many fans want to see the two get together, but insisted that the onus is on Isaac’s character in the Star Wars universe.

“I think that Oscar is always looking at me with love in his eyes, and I guess that the fans saw it. And then they realized that either he needs to chill or come out.”

Based on the trailers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, fans might have to wait until J.J. Abrams’ Episode IX before we get any significant developments in that department, as Poe attempts to save the Resistance from the First Order while Finn embarks on a secret mission with newcomer Rose (Kelly Marie Tran).

We’ll find out more when Star Wars: The Last Jedi premieres in theaters on December 15.