John Boyega on Joining the Star Wars Legacy

The son of Nigerian immigrants who moved to the United Kingdom before his birth, John Boyega previously starred in 2011’s Attack the Block. Although Boyega was a relatively unknown actor a year ago, he immediately became iconic when the original trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit. Since then, Boyega has become one of the most watched up-and-coming talents in Hollywood. The 23-year-old actor recently spoke with CNET about playing Finn and joining the Star Wars legacy.

“Sci-fi over the years has had a way of commenting on social issues, but without being preachy,” said Boyega. “ Star Wars was built on mythical stories, spirituality and also the classic good-versus-evil. But also, for me, is the understanding of human beings…I just love the human commentary.”

Since Boyega was born long after the original Star Wars trilogy came out, he actually saw The Phantom Menace first. Of course Boyega added that he thinks the original trilogy is superior to the prequels. “I remember watching the prequels and just not being as intrigued. But then I watched the original, and I was like, ‘ohhh.'”

When asked what his favorite scene in the Star Wars saga was, Boyega said, “There’s a moment where Harrison is talking into the intercom. There’s a little exchange and he shoots the intercom. I love that moment.”

The casting of Boyega in The Force Awakens lead to some controversy last year when Twitter users questioned Disney’s decision to depict a black man in a white military uniform. In response, Boyega commented, “Get used to it.”

Boyega went on to discuss his character, saying, “Finn is going to represent that classic Star Wars story and that classic Star Wars narrative.” Although he of course didn’t give away too many details about who Finn is or the movie’s plot, Boyega did mention his favorite moment “was being in Abu Dhabi in the desert, in full Stormtrooper gear, and standing next to a crashed TIE fighter.”

We can’t wait to learn more about Finn when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, 2015.

Read CNET’s full and beautifully presented interview here.