Lucasfilm and Hollywood backs John Boyega as 'hero' after impassioned Black Lives Matter speech
Lucasfilm has issued a message of support for Star Wars actor John Boyega after he delivered a passionate speech about racism at a Black Lives Matter protest in London.
The 28-year-old star, who played ex-Stormtrooper Finn in the sequel trilogy, told fellow protesters in Hyde Park that he was “speaking to you from my heart” before declaring: “I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f*** that.”
Read more: Seth Rogen has strong words for ‘All Lives Matter’ commenters
Many praised Boyega for his candour and commitment on social media, including the official Star Wars account, which said the company will “stand with and support” the actor.
“The evil that is racism must stop,” they wrote, adding: “We will commit to being part of the change that is long overdue in the world.
“John Boyega, you are our hero.”
We stand with and support you, @JohnBoyega. View his full speech: https://t.co/Goxb5y2wrK pic.twitter.com/ZvE0t5tRPY
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 3, 2020
In the wake of Boyega’s comments about his career possibly being under threat, dozens of Hollywood figures have come out in support of him and affirmed their desire to work with him in the future.
Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill said he had “never been more proud” of Boyega in a tweet, which he signed off as “dad”.
Read more: Samuel L. Jackson said he was racially profiled while making Pulp Fiction
Other big Hollywood names tweeting in support of Boyega included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Peele, Cathy Yan, Olivia Wilde, Charlie Brooker and Chris Miller.
We got you, John. https://t.co/oX7Rr52omx
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) June 3, 2020
I would love to work w John Boyega https://t.co/zQTIP29SVR
— Cathy Yan (@CathyYan) June 3, 2020
We hear you. We see you. We're with you @JohnBoyega #RealLifeHero #BlackLivesMatterhttps://t.co/c5TncuX9Ow
— Blumhouse (@blumhouse) June 3, 2020
Oh god I WISH, Ojalá! From Attack The Block to this day! pic.twitter.com/sB7eJqF0sy
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 3, 2020
Absolutely. I would be honored to work with @JohnBoyega and can only hope to have the chance. We’ve got your back, John. Don’t hold back. https://t.co/4d5gA3RRkj
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 3, 2020
I would crawl through a barrel of broken glass to have John Boyega even so much as *glance* at one of my scripts. https://t.co/0bcLeldaEg
— Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) June 3, 2020
Boyega was one of thousands of protesters who took to the streets of London on Wednesday as part of a wave of anti-racism demonstrations sweeping the world.
Read more: Boyega prompts Star Wars debate after Anakin claim
The movement was triggered by the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody on 25 May.
Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder, with three other officers charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder.
Anti-racism protests have since taken place across the United States and worldwide.
