John Boyega Speaks Out on Diversity Issues in Star Wars Franchise
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/John-Boyega-STAR-WARS-RISE-OF-SKYWALKER-033125-6308d759b4f84266bdaa47a91440c2a3.jpg)
John Boyega, known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, recently shared his thoughts on the lack of diversity in the iconic franchise. The 33-year-old British actor opened up about his experience working on the space-western saga in a new AppleTV+ documentary called “Number One on the Call Sheet.”
During the documentary’s “Black Leading Men in Hollywood” episode, Boyega expressed his feelings about being a Black actor in a predominantly White and elite space. He described the Star Wars franchise as feeling like the “most Whitest, elite space,” highlighting the challenges of being a person of colour in such a setting.
Boyega reflected on the significance of his presence in a franchise that has historically lacked diversity. He mentioned how his character, Finn, broke new ground by being a prominent Black character in the Star Wars universe. Despite the progress made, Boyega pointed out that there is still much work to be done in terms of representation and inclusion.
The actor also addressed the reactions of some Star Wars fans to characters like Finn and the limited representation of people of colour in the franchise. He criticized the tendency to relegate Black characters to supporting roles or as sidekicks to the main White heroes. Boyega expressed frustration at the resistance to Black characters taking on more central and leading roles within the Star Wars narrative.
In a resurfaced interview from 2020, Boyega discussed his decision to move on from his role as Finn following the conclusion of the sequel trilogy. However, he hinted at the possibility of returning to the franchise under specific conditions involving key creative figures like Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams.
Despite his willingness to consider future involvement in Star Wars, Boyega made it clear that he has shifted his focus towards pursuing other opportunities that allow him to showcase the full extent of his talents. He expressed a desire to explore new roles and projects that offer more depth and complexity for actors of colour.
As Boyega continues to advocate for better representation and diversity in Hollywood, his candid remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black actors in the industry. His experiences within the Star Wars franchise have sparked important conversations about the need for greater inclusivity and authentic storytelling in major film franchises.
In conclusion, John Boyega’s bold statements about the issues of race and representation in Star Wars shed light on the complexities of navigating a predominantly White and exclusive space as a Black actor. His reflections challenge industry norms and call for meaningful change towards a more diverse and inclusive entertainment landscape.