John Boyega Is In Search Of Opportunity
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John Boyega has achieved global fame and significant fortune; however, the star of The Woman King wants more of one thing: opportunity.
"I wanted to be a witness to greatness," says John Boyega when asked what excited him most about The Woman King—the historically-based action film out today (Sept. 16). Led by Academy-Award winner Viola Davis and directed by Gina Prince Blythewood. The film tells the story of the Agojie—the all-female warrior unit that defended the West African Kingdom of Dahomey from European colonization. "I just wanted to be involved. I didn't mind if I was playing a tree."
Boyega, 30, portrays King Ghezo, which allowed him to take on the accent of his Nigerian-born father and play an intriguing and complex character. "This man had a very conflicting, controversial history, especially with him ascending to the throne. There's something quite young about his energy, and because he's first starting as King, there's a bit of vulnerability there."
Over the years, Boyega has tapped into his own vulnerability by speaking candidly about his difficult experience portraying “Finn” in the sequels to the first trilogy of Star Wars. The sequels gave him global fame and increased fortune, but it came with a cost. Comments regarding his race appeared across the Internet. And additionally, Boyega has spoken of his marquee character being marginalized over the course of making the $4 billion-grossing films.
Actor Dewanda Wise, star of Jurassic World Dominion—the first Black female to star in a vast, summer Blockbuster of its kind—said of Boyega's ordeal: "a hero wasn't allowed to be a hero." Moses Ingram, star of the recent Star Wars television series Obi-Wan Kenobi faced backlash for being a Black woman wielding a light saber. However, unlike Boyega, Ingram was publicly supported by Disney executives and her co-stars, including Ewan McGregor. His courage has made big-budget film franchises an easier terrain for actors of color: heroic. Boyega is future-focused. He's happy his actions improved conditions for Black actors coming behind him. He is excited about what The Woman King may mean for his future as an actor, including his disappearance (more on that later).
PHOTO BY LLOYD PURSALL
Why did you jump at the chance to work with the director of The Woman King, Gina Prince Blythewood?
She directed one of my favorite movies of all time, Love and Basketball. Love & Basketball is number one. I just like Black love. I can relate to it. I told her: "Just tell me if there's a role and tell me where and when, and I'll be there." I loved working with her; she's good energy.
Women in action roles surround you in this film. What did you observe?
The women had to train, and it looked grueling. I saw all the ladies training and rehearsing. They were excited about their bodies transforming and how much they had learned. I was there to witness that. I think people are in for a shock. There's something about this story and the way Gina has gotten to the intricate details of history while also trying to relate to making these characters multi-dimensional, making this project quite significant.
PHOTO BY LLOYD PURSALL
What did Viola Davis bring to this film?
I can't wait for people to experience Viola Davis' incredible performance and the other ladies starring in the film. For some, it's their first prominent role. And I want them to get all the love and attention they deserve and for putting in so much work on this project. It's crucial, especially when we think about colorism for brown-skinned women. This film is an excellent showcase for young, Black female actors.
What else did you take away from working with Viola Davis?
She would tell stories randomly about her experience—mainly about the differences in how you approach your career. For instance, when you're younger, there's a level of optimism and sometimes a level of ignorance, and how that can affect you. She's very open about talking about her experience in this industry. For any young actor, there will be some gems you want. Whenever she speaks, she speaks to your soul.
And among everything she has accomplished, Viola Davis has become an action hero.
Yes, it's golden! With Viola's level of versatility, you can pretty much do what you want. And she's demonstrating that, which is excellent. Versatility gives you that freedom.
Is that what you are working to achieve in your work: a high level of versatility?
I want more roles significantly different from who I am in real life. The joy in acting is playing more versatile, layered characters and having fun with it. It's difficult for people to imagine what they haven't seen. But, when you get roles to dive in and disappear, it's great.
PHOTO BY LLOYD PURSALL
You are talking about being allowed to disappear. The opportunity enables the talent to flourish.
I want more roles that require me to disappear and are characters that significantly differ from my real life. That's just the enjoyment of acting. That's when you do a lot more work and play more versatile layered characters.
What actor demonstrates this type of versatility?
Versatility is all I talk about these days! I like how Robert Pattinson switched his choices after doing the Twilight films. If you put him in three different roles, he's three completely other people. I like actors who change every single time. That is just so cool to me. And Michael K. Williams was one of the most versatile actors in this business. I worked with him on the film Breaking [released in August]. His approach and enthusiasm for work were second to none, which was something great for me to take away. He was great to learn from, a great guy, and just an all-around cool soul. [Ed. note: Williams died in September 2021]
Ultimately, it's a search to lose yourself to evolve.
I learned that as an actor, it is never about who you are in real life. It is about how much you can transcend into another character. And that is what makes it a particular art form for me. I like following that old-school way of looking at as an art form. It makes me better.
PHOTO BY LLOYD PURSALL
PHOTOGRAPHER: LLOYD PURSALL
STYLIST: JASON REMBERT
PHOTO ASSISTANT: HENRY HEWITT
PHOTO ASSISTANT: JOSEPH CONWAY
GROOMER: MARIA ASADI
BARBER: EPHRAIM
