John Boyega BREAKING THROUGH

THE ACTOR DELIVERS AN INTENSE AND HEARTBREAKING PERFORMANCE IN HIS LATEST ROLE

- Jodie Wolf

John Boyega’s life is certainly different these days in comparison to his humble beginnings in South London’s Camberwell district. First gaining attention for his role as Moses in the sci-fi horror comedy film Attack the Block in 2011, he found fame when he was cast in a lead role in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He’s gone on to feature in blockbusters including Pacific Rim and starred opposite Viola Davis in The Woman King. His latest flick, Breaking, is based on the real-life story of US Marine Corp veteran Brian Brown-Easley, who took several people hostage in a bank in 2017. Boyega, who is earning plaudits for his powerful performance, tells WHO what he learnt from playing the tragic character.

How did you look after yourself during filming?

I decided to get a nice Airbnb in LA. I’d go home and see my friends chilling, playing Playstation and it just tears the character away. There was a nice detachment, but then our director Abi [Damaris Corbin] made such a potent environment on set, that when you got back, you’re in it. I was able to have those emotions in a very organic way, it didn’t feel like it was piled on me. Even those moments that were intense felt like artistic freedom more than anything. 

Was there research involved on your part about the topic of looking after veterans?