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.

“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.