HIGH IN THE manicured hills of Pomona, New York, a bucolic suburban town in a galaxy far, far away from bustling Manhattan, is where you'll find John Boyega quietly idling next to an infinity pool. For the better part of a five-hour photo shoot, Boyega has been "on," flexing his newly won biceps and striking poses with a billowing parachute. "I feel like I'm in an Adele video," he jokes at one moment, crooning "Helloooo" and serving up blue-steel gazes from the driver's seat of a Day-Glo-orange McLaren GT. When he's not dancing to Burna Boy, he's switching in and out of Gucci tank tops and gamhugging hoochie-daddy shorts by Dior. He has indefatigable energy and is downright silly, which comes as a complete surprise to those of us who know him only from his sober turns in an epic franchise and several critically acclaimed indies. You would never guess that he's fresh off a flight from London, sleep-deprived, and starving. In fact, when I ask him how he's feeling, he flashes the type of winning smile that makes knees buckle and hearts skip. "I feel sexy," he declares. "I can't lie. I feel very, very sexy."
Days later, when Boyega talks about the feel-good vibes he emanated on set, the 30-year-old grows philosophical. "You have two options as an artist," he says. "Fixate on your fatigue or acknowledge that you've arrived and expressed your extreme gratitude. When I was broke and no casting director wanted to see me, if someone said, 'We're going to fly you out tomorrow, take care of your hotel, shoot a Men's Health cover, then fly you back,' I would've cried with joy. Yeah, I just got off a flight, but that's what the rappers sing about. I'm living it."
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Fear."
Ryan Gosling and David Leitch are the star and director of The Fall Guy, the romantic-action-comedy blockbuster stunt-fest you'll see at least twice this summer. But they've also built a bond over stunt work, pain, and purpose.
6 A.M. With...the Olympic Fencer
Miles Chamley-Watson's workouts are filled with jokes-and rapier-sharp intensity.
WHAT MAKES A FATHER TOUGH
Social-media wormholes, political tensions, planetary peril-who would WANT TO RAISE A KID in this world, anyway? Well, these guys. Here's what BEING A DAD has TAUGHT EACH OF THEM about HAVING GRIT right now.
FRAUD-PROOF YOUR FINANCES
Scams are everywhere, and money is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for American men. Protect your money (and peace of mind) with these moves.
WHEN CANCER COMES FOR YOUR NUTS
Testicular cancer rates are rising, and it's most common among young men ages 20 to 40. Here, one guy describes his shocking diagnosis when he was just 24-and the warning signs that other guys should never ignore.
THE SEMI-COMPLETE USER'S GUIDE TO...THE PANCREAS
For a small, blow-dryer-shaped organ deep in the abdomen, the pancreas has a lot of power. Here's how to keep it happy so you stay healthy.
THE NEW SCIENCE OF HIP MOBILITY
Own the weight room, crush backyard football, and beat back pain by strengthening and stretching your hips.
GOT L-THEANINE ON THE BRAIN?
Supplement makers claim this amino acid focuses the mind and calms the nerves. We have questions.
THE MOVEMENT + MUSCLE WORKOUT
Get stronger and faster with this two-part session that packs on muscle-and primes you for light-speed runs, too.
THE NEW PLYO POWER-UP
How modern takes on an old fitness favorite can calibrate your training for an insta-boost of athleticism and strength.