STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Star John Boyega Lands Lead Role In PACIFIC RIM Sequel
Here's some breaking news for ya: Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega has signed on for the lead role in Legendary Pictures' upcoming Pacific Rim sequel. Check it out...
Deadline is reporting that John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) has closed a deal for the lead role in Legendary Pictures upcoming sequel to 2013's Pacific Rim. He will portray the son of Idris Elba's character from the first film, Stacker Pentecost, who - *spoiler alert* - died when he sacrificed himself to defeat one of the Kaiju monsters. In addition to starring, Boyega will also serve as a co-producer.
Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil) is directing the sequel with franchise creator Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy) back on-board as a producer. No word on the rest of the cast just yet, but expect more announcements relatively soon as the film prepares to launch production during the fourth quarter of this year. Once the casting was confirmed, 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 confirmed his casting on Twitter not long after the initial report:
So, what do you guys think? I'm sure my colleague Josh Wilding is super excited, but are you? Sound off with your thoughts below!