Our Hearts Ache For John Boyega After His Gut-wrenching Experience While Promoting His First Star Wars Film
- John Boyega struggled with styling and identity on the 'Star Wars' set.
- The actor remembered his father's advice: 'Don't overpay with respect.'
- He questioned Hollywood’s expectations and fought for authenticity.
When you think about John Boyega, you probably picture Finn in a galaxy far, far away. But behind that badass exterior lies a story that’s anything but fairy-tale perfect. His journey in the Star Wars universe began with all the hype and excitement, but it wasn’t all lightsabers and epic battles.
Nope, this actor faced some serious challenges, especially when it came to how he was treated in the spotlight. Imagine stepping into a massive franchise, only to find that the people meant to help you have no idea how to work with your hair or style.
Boyega, who boldly wore his natural hair, felt the pressure to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for him. With all the noise around him, the star realized he had to fight for his right to shine in his own way.
John Boyega’s Struggle with Identity in Star Wars
When John Boyega stepped into the world of Star Wars, he felt like a kid in a candy store—excited but also overwhelmed. He had always dreamed of being in a blockbuster, but reality hit hard.
As the actor dealt the press tour for The Force Awakens, he noticed something off. His stylist, instead of owning his unique style, was “cringing at certain clothes” (as what he told GQ).
The 32-year-old described how he had to deal with a hairdresser who didn’t really get how to style Afro hair. Boyega wanted to be celebrated for who he is, not molded into someone else’s idea of a star.
His dad’s advice echoed in his mind: “Don’t overpay with respect.” That hit hard, making him rethink his approach. He wanted to be a part of the galaxy, but only if it meant being true to himself. And honestly, who can blame him?
John Boyega Faced Intense Backlash in Star Wars Due to Race
John Boyega recently opened up about his experiences in the Star Wars franchise, and it’s pretty intense. He pointed out that he’s the only cast member who faced serious backlash because of his race. As he said in the same interview, “I got this amazing opportunity, but the industry wasn’t ready for me.”
While everyone else enjoyed the spotlight, Boyega dealt with online threats and hate, with people telling him he shouldn’t be a Stormtrooper. It’s no wonder the British star felt frustrated when people were surprised by how he reacted. After a tough time in 2017, he went to therapy to handle his anger issues, and that’s how he started to find peace.
Star Wars sequel trilogy is available on Disney+.
