Most actors don’t get involved with current events to keep from alienating their fans that disagree with them politically. But most actors aren’t John Boyega.
On Wednesday the Star Wars actor took an active part in a London Black Lives Matter protest, telling the crowd that he didn’t know if he’d have a career after this event, but the movement mattered more to him than that. Nevertheless, Lucasfilm put out a statement on all official Star Wars social media, backing Boyega up for his activism.
The statement says: “Lucasfilm stands with John Boyega and his message that, ‘Now is the time. Black lives have always mattered. Black lives have always been important. Black lives have always meant something.’ The evil that is racism must stop. We will commit to being part of the change that is long overdue in the world. John Boyega, you are our hero.”
Boyega played Finn in Star Wars, a Rebel fighting against the oppressive First Order. Originally taken as a baby by the First Order, he was raised to be a part of the Stormtrooper army but escapes with Poe (Oscar Isaac) in The Force Awakens, deciding to liberate the galaxy from the threat they pose. If any company should understand the drive for revolution, it should rightfully be the company that made Star Wars. Hopefully this sets a precedent – the world need more actors, and big studios, to stand up for what’s right.
Leave a Comment