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Things are heating up on the Pacific Rim: John Boyega joins sci-fi sequel

Now that he’s established himself firmly as a rebel in one science fiction reality, actor John Boyega is headed to help front another. The up-and-coming Star Wars actor has been cast in the slowly developing Pacific Rim sequel, where he will play the son of Idris Elba’s character Stacker Pentecost.

The high-profile lead role could mean big things for the sequel, especially considering recent news that the screenplay will be crafted by Jurassic World co-writer Derek Connolly. Guillermo del Toro, who was responsible for creating the sci-fi universe in which the tale plays out, will remain involved as an executive producer for the project. And he, in particular, seems excited about securing the young Star Wars actor.

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“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The ‘Pacific Rim’ universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world,” del Toro said in a press release. “‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”

The second Pacific Rim aims to be as lucrative as the first, which grossed $411 million worldwide after costing $190 million to manufacture. The second installment is being directed by Daredevil showrunner Steven DeKnight, and the new film will likely offer Boyega a bigger payday than The Force Awakens did, as he was a no-name actor at the time.

In furtherance of his emerging career, Boyega has remained very busy on sets of late. He is currently shooting Star Wars: Episode VIII, and has been scheduled to star in films opposite Tom Hanks and Emma Watson, as well as James McAvoy and Sir Ben Kingsley.

Pacific Rim 2 is scheduled to hit screens worldwide in 2017, though no official date is on the books yet.

Parker Hall
Former Senior Writer, Home Theater/Music
Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…
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