John Boyega narrates how Tom Cruise got him the break out role in Star Wars

John Boyega's breakout role in the Star Wars franchise as Finn earned him his first shot of fame and success as the British actor rose to prominence as he also received a BAFTA award for his role, followed by immense praise from fans and critics for his role as Finn.

A decade after his first Star Wars film, the actor has now revealed how Tom Cruise had a big hand in giving him his big break in Hollywood as Boyega opened up on how Cruise was responsible for him getting the part in Star Wars.

During that time, the Mission: Impossible actor was working with J.J. Abrams on one of the films in the franchise and had watched Boyega's performance in Attack the Block, which was his debut in the industry. Cruise loved the performance and recommended him to Abrams, giving Boyega his breakout role, and the most memorable portrayal of his career.

Speaking at the spotlight panel at Emerald City Comic Con, Boyega revealed,

"I’m thankful to Tom Cruise, who loved Attack the Block. He was editing Mission: Impossible at the time with J.J. Abrams. Tom told J.J., ‘You’ve got to watch this kid in Attack the Block.’ J.J. watched it, and one thing led to another, and four or five years later, I was in the movie."

Although both actors have never collaborated on any project, he was also asked about if fans can ever expect them both to share the same space on screen, to which he gave a neutral answer and said,

“I ain’t doing all of that, Tom. But I would easily be the man in the chair,”

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John Boyega's role in Star Wars

Boyega had one of the most important characters in the Star Wars franchise, as he appeared on the series as a First Order stormtrooper. After not being on terms with the Order's treatment of him, he switches up and joins Poe Dameron and Rey's company. He soon finds himself being pursued by the First Order as they escape to Millennium Falcon. What follows is a tumultuous journey as he attempts to protect himself and his companions.

Finn's name is given to him by Poe who takes it from his designated name FN-2187 given by the First Order. The character returns for the films The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker and The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special.

For his role on the first film, Boyega earned a BAFTA Rising Star Award and was also nominated for a Saturn Award. It remains, to this day, his most loved role on screen.

The actor has gone on to star as Leroy Logan in Red, White and Blue, that earned him his first Golden Globe Award. He was last seen as Fontaine in They Cloned Tyrone.