“Star Wars” breakout John Boyega enjoyed a winning evening at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday. He won the rising star award at the BAFTA. From an unknown actor to a superstar-in-the-making, everyone who watched “The Force Awakens” would definitely consider Boyega’s character as an instant favorite in the sci-fi comeback. With “Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens,” it’s John Boyega’s time to shine. Here are what you should know about the young actor: 1. He hails from London Boyega, 23, is making his fellow Londoners proud. The young actor was born to Nigerian parents in Peckham, London, and studied performing arts at South Thames College. From there, he trained at The Identity School of Acting and took to the stage at London venues like the National Theater and the Tricycle Theater. 2. You know him best from “Attack the Block” For those who’ve seen 2011’s sleeper hit “Attack the Block,” Boyega is a huge selling point for “The Force Awakens.” The premise for “Attack” is kind of crazytown, as it follows a group of streetwise kids who battle aliens that descend upon South London. But Boyega completely owns the role of Moses in the film, turning “Attack” into a must-see. Even more impressive, “Attack” was Boyega’s first feature film role. 3. He’s a Marvel fan Boyega revealed he’s a Marvel fanboy last year, right before Comic-Con 2014. With rumors running hot that the studio was about to unveil a Black Panther movie at the annual comics-centric event, Boyega stoked the flames with tweets that he was “aiming” for the role. Although the role wound up going to Chadwick Boseman, that wasn’t for Boyega’s lack of effort. 4. He’s a must-follow on Instagram His Instagram feed is not only a glimpse behind-the-scenes of “The Force Awakens” but also into the actor’s personal life. (SD-Agencies) |