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John Boyega: Who Is Star Wars 7's new cast member?
He's just been announced as one of the leads in the biggest film of 2015, but who is this British-born star in the making?
The cast of 'Star Wars: Episode 7' has just been revealed.
The trio of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford will return, along with a host of new stars, with veteran actor Max Von Sydow perhaps the most recognisable name on the new cast list.
['Star Wars 7' cast announced]
John Boyega's name may not be instantly recognisable to most, but he's long been linked with a part in JJ Abrams' sci-fi sequel, and he's about to become one of the most searched for names in the galaxy.
But who is he? And what might you have seen him in before? Let's find out.
Born 17 March 1992 in Peckham, South London, Boyega made his acting debut in 'Attack The Block'.
He landed the part after studying drama at the Identity Drama School, Hackney and appearing in a number of stage plays.
Director Joe Cornish wanted a cast of unknowns for his sci-fi thriller set on a rough South London estate, and Boyega stood out, landing him the role of gang-leader Moses.
['Star Wars 7': All we know so far]
"The thing that made John Boyega stand out was his acting. He is a brilliant actor," Cornish explained in a chat with Empire.
"I am pretty much 100% confident that John Boyega will go on to be a major star."
After 'Attack The Block', Boyega made a series of smaller appearances in various films and TV shows including an episode of 'Law and Order UK'.
He played a boxer from the wrong side of the tracks in a HBO pilot 'Brick' by '12 Years A Slave' screenwriter John Ridley, which didn't get commisisoned as a series.
In January this year, it was revealed that Boyega would play Olympic athlete Jesse Owens in 'Race' a biopic of his life, but that was scheduled to shoot this May, so it's unsure whether shooting 'Star Wars 7' will cause this to be delayed.
[What we know about the 'Star Wars 7' production so far]
His most recent film role was in 'Half of a Yellow Sun' opposite Chiwitel Ejiofor, which hit cinemas earlier this month. He'll also play a small part in Jack Bauer's return to TV in '24: Live Another Day'.
It's unclear yet what role the British actor will play in 'Star Wars: Episode VII' but as soon as we have more details we'll let you know.
'Star Wars VII' also stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow alongside the original cast and will hit cinemas 18 December, 2015.
