Just like any workplace, Hollywood is more likely to have a toxic environment. John Boyega, who portrayed Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has always been vocal about his unpleasant experience with the franchise. Despite his performance as the stormtrooper, which gave him wide recognition, the British actor said in 2020 that companies tend to bring out a black character, only for them to be pushed aside, referring to how Disney botched Finn's character arc and how they failed to defend him towards racist fans. However, in a recent interview, Boyega appears to have gradually had a change of heart.
Speaking with The Times of London via Deadline, Boyega reflected more positively on his role in the Star Wars films. “For me, Star Wars has made the man, in a sense… The experiences, the fun times, good times, ugly times, and bad times, make you who you are as you navigate through the industry, and that has definitely been interesting. I feel like the arc that JJ tried to tie up, that’s where I feel comfortable with the release of him. And since then I’ve been able to enjoy, as a fan, The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. I’m enjoying the balance of all things.” he explained.
As the actor is becoming comfortable with his off-putting experience with Star Wars, Boyega also recently hinted that he might be open to pursuing another major franchise after he was inspired by Ncuti Gatwa, who was tapped to become Doctor Who's 15th doctor and became the first black actor to land the titular role in the classic science fiction franchise.
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“Get me in an episode where I’m one of the many Doctors in many timelines so I can just cameo it. Or I’d be the assistant, whatever. I’d show up – but just for one episode,” Boyega told Radio Times. “It is opening up. You get inspired by things like Ncuti Gatwa playing the Doctor in Doctor Who – that is special to me. The glass ceiling can’t limit us.”
Boyega taking a role in Doctor Who wouldn't come off as a surprise given that he previously commented that he no longer feels like coming back as Finn in Star Wars. “At this point, I’m cool off. I’m good with it,” he said. “I think Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things, the games, the animation. But I feel like ‘[Episode] VII’ to ‘[Episode] IX’ was good for me.”
The Star Wars sequel trilogy is available on Disney+.
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