Flicker
John Boyega – whose turn in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” served as his biggest role to date – will star in the follow-up to 2013’s “Pacific Rim” as the son of Idris Elba’s character. He will also co-produce the flick with his production company. Boyega announced the news on his Twitter account last week.
I'll be taking on the Pacific Rim franchise with Steven S.Deknight directing. Very excited!
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 6, 2016
According to Deadline, the Black Reel Award winner will produce the film along with several filmmakers, including Guillermo del Toro, who directed the prequel and created the plot with Travis Beacham. The actor excitedly shared he and his production partner Femi Oguns will be filling the position through their company, UpperRoom Productions.
So happy! My company UpperRoom Productions founded by myself & @MrFemiOguns, will co-produce #PacificRim2 alongside @Legendary
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 6, 2016
Mary Parent, one of the producers on the project, told Deadline Boyega sets himself apart from his peers.
“It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today’s generation of young leading men,” she said.
Del Toro – who is not returning to direct “Pacific Rim 2” and will be replaced by Steven S. DeKnight – also praised Boyega.
“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox,” del Toro told the website. “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.”
According to The Guardian, it is unclear if Elba will reprise his role as Stacker Pentecost in the next installment, though his co-star Rinko Kikuchi hinted at the possibility at a San Francisco press event in 2013. But the “Luther” star congratulated Boyega on his role, which the star appreciated.
@idriselba thanks man ✊?
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 8, 2016
The sequel will likely follow in the original film’s monetary success. To date, “Pacific Rim” has earned $411 million worldwide. “Pacific Rim 2” will begin production later this year, and with a rough start since announcing its development, a definite release date has not been determined.
