Star Wars: The Force Awakens breakout John Boyega appears to have found another franchise to settle into. Deadline reports that the 24-year-old British actor is set to star in the upcoming sequel to Pacific Rim. The second installment of the series created by Guillermo del Toro looks to be heading in front of the cameras later this year under the direction of Steven S. DeKnight (a television vet behind series including Daredevil and Spartacus: War of the Damned). Legendary Pictures is charge here with Universal distributing the film worldwide.
In confirming the casting of Boyega, del Toro commented, “I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.” Boyega is pegged to play the son of the character Idris Elba portrayed in the first film; as of now it remains unclear who from the original film will return for the second outing. del Toro retains a writing and producing credit on the second installment. The first Pacific Rim took in over $400 million at the worldwide box office.
The casting does further bolster the profile of Boyega, who broke out internationally last year when debuting his role of Finn in the Star Wars relaunch. The actor is currently filming Star Wars: Episode VIII under director Rian Johnson (Looper). He will next be seen on screens in James Ponstadt’s upcoming thriller The Circle, a film adapted from Dave Eggers’ novel that boasts a strong ensemble cast in Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, Karen Gillan, Ellar Colltrane and Bill Paxton. He also has a voice part in BBC’s upcoming animated adaptation of Watership Down. Boyega first made waves heading the indie genre film Attack the Block.
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