John Boyega, a talented British actor, rose to prominence through his standout performances in films like Attack the Block (2011) and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015). Born on March 17, 1992, in London, England, John Boyega comes from Nigerian heritage, with both of his parents having roots in Nigeria. From an early age, John Boyega showed a strong passion for acting—something that became evident when he started participating in school plays and enrolling in theater programs. His dedication to the craft led him to South Thames College, where John Boyega majored in performing arts and even took on the lead role in a production of Othello.
After honing his skills there, John Boyega continued his training at the Identity Drama School, where he gained valuable experience through various stage roles. His first notable appearance on screen came in 2011, when he played a bully in Becoming Human, a short-lived BBC supernatural spinoff of Being Human. But it was his breakthrough performance as Moses, a street-smart gang leader battling alien invaders in Attack the Block, that truly put John Boyega on the map. The role earned him multiple nominations across the UK for best breakthrough performance, marking him as one of Britain’s most promising young actors.
Following that success, John Boyega starred in the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s acclaimed novel Half of a Yellow Sun (2013), further showcasing his range and depth as a performer. Then, in April 2014, major news broke—John Boyega would be playing Finn, a former stormtrooper, in J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This casting decision was historic, but it also attracted backlash from some corners of the internet, with racist comments targeting the idea of a Black stormtrooper. In response, John Boyega stood firm, posting a powerful message on Instagram telling critics to “get used to it”—a moment that not only highlighted his resilience but also reinforced his role as a trailblazer in modern cinema.
Well, when it comes to John Boyega’s filmography, there are definitely some highs and lows. If we’re talking about the standout in his career so far, John Boyega’s highest rated movie is They Cloned Tyrone from 2023 — a film that really showcased his range and brought in strong reviews. On the flip side, one of the lower points came earlier with The Circle back in 2017, which ended up being John Boyega’s lowest rated film. It’s interesting to see how John Boyega has evolved as an actor, bouncing back from less successful projects to deliver powerful performances. Still, both films are part of his journey, and honestly, John Boyega continues to take on diverse roles that keep audiences intrigued.