The movie world is currently occupied with the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, but leave it to John Boyega to immediately shift attention back to American blockbusters. The British actor travelled to the French Riviera to accept the Trophée Chopard, which he was likely considered for thanks to his appearance as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Attack the Block was great, too, John!). Naturally, members of the media had to ask for an update regarding the follow-up, Star Wars: Episode 8.
Of course, Boyega wasn’t about to spoil any plot elements of the upcoming installment, but he was able to tease some aspects of the filmmaking process as well as a certain high-profile cameo. Will Tom Hardy be the latest A-Lister to play a Stormtrooper? Here’s the humorous exchange between Boyega and Vulture:
Vulture: “I’ve heard a rumor, which you can refute, that Tom Hardy may have come on set to do a day as a Stormtrooper who slaps your ass.”
Boyega: “Who slaps my ass? Wow! Did Tom say that?”
Vulture: “You know, just like how Daniel Craig came on as a Stormtrooper last time …”
Boyega: “Okay. Okay. Next time I go on set I’m going to release a helmet and see if Tom Hardy’s in there!”
Hmmmmm. While Boyega doesn’t outright admit Hardy features in Star Wars: Episode 8, he does playfully entertain the idea. Making Star Wars initially reported the news, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mad Max actor showed up in the credits one way or another. And speaking of credits, what’s it like working with the guy who gets the ultimate one? Boyega dished on the difference between working with The Force Awakens’ J.J. Abrams and Episode 8 ’s Rian Johnson:
Rian is his own man. You can’t compare the two. They’re of the same ilk, creatively, both talented. But two different guys, man. I really, really dig Rian, to step in like that. I hope we get to work together on something in the future, because he’s got a great artistic eye. He’s not Hollywood at all. This is a big Hollywood blockbuster film, but you know what I’m saying, with him behind the energy, you don’t feel like you’re on a Hollywood set. You feel like you’re in the midst of friends and people who want to work on something creatively great.
This statement is certainly in line with Boyega’s recent comments to Variety, where he said that Episode 8 is going to be “darker, bigger.” This is very good news for the Star Wars fans who felt that Abrams take, while safe and assured, lacked originality and ambition. Many of us feel resigned into accepting that Skywalker’s saga will always remain a family franchise. That’s why Rogue One: A Star Wars Story looks so intriguing -- it comes off like a proper war movie. But if we can explore the dark corners of the galaxy far, far away in Episode 8, then by all means go ‘head wit yo bad self, Rian Johnson.
What are your takeaways on John Boyega’s comments? Let us know in the, well… comment section below. Star Wars: Episode 8 arrives in theaters Dec. 15, 2017.
