'Star Wars' Star John Boyega: I'm Being Mentored by Robert Downey Jr.
John Boyega in ‘The Force Awakens’ (Film Frame/Disney/Copyright Lucasfilm 2015 via AP)
By Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter
Robert Downey Jr. has taken on a new role — mentoring rising young star John Boyega.
It’s one of the revelations from Boyega’s new interview with V Man #34, in which the actor talks to writer David Renshaw about his much-buzzed-about role in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
The Hollywood Reporter has an exclusive transcript of Boyega’s new spread, photographed by Paul Wetherell, styled by Anna Trevelyan and featuring fashions by Astrid Andersen, Balmain and Kenzo.
Related: ‘Star Wars: Force Awakens’ Script Made John Boyega Cry
On his casting: “There was already contact between me and J.J. He was a big fan of Attack the Block and we were waiting for a project where we could collaborate. They wanted to make sure they got the right person for the job. I learned that I got the part over a nice breakfast in Mayfair. J.J. said, 'John, you’re the new star of Star Wars,’ and everything froze for a moment.”
On studying Harrison Ford’s original auditions: “He has that knowledge and it’s beautiful to watch. He has a great balance between the artistic and technical elements of acting, which is what it’s all about. He told me about his career and his house. I realized that I probably couldn’t relate to him about finances because he’s on another level.”
On Downey Jr.: “He’s helped me prepare for how my life is going to change and that has been inspiring. I’m talking to someone who understands the power of choices, both positive and negative.”
Related: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ First Look: John Boyega Wields Lightsaber
Watch our recent interview with Boyega:
