The force is with Boyega

JOHN Boyega has been hailed a “hero” by Lucasfilm, while other directors have pledged their support after he admitted he was unsure if his participation in antiracism protests would damage his career.

The Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker star joined anti-racism protesters at Hyde Park in London on Wednesday, where he delivered a passionate speech in which he admitted his activism could damage his career, but he’s been inundated with support from the movie industry.

Alongside a link to a video of his speech, a post on the Star Wars website read: “Lucasfilm stands with John Boyega and his message that, ‘Now is the time. Black lives have always mattered. Black lives have always been important. Black lives have always meant something’.

“The evil that is racism must stop. We will commit to being part of the change that is long overdue in the world. John Boyega, you are our hero.”

Star Wars legend Mark Hamill tweeted: “Never been more proud of you, John.”

9 Rides writer and director Matthew A Cherry urged other film-makers to work with Boyega.

He tweeted: “I would work with John Boyega and I urge other Non-black creators to affirm that they have his back as well. Cause I know most Black creators got his back. And I also know it’s not us that would try and blackball him either.”

Writer-and-director Seth Graemesmith replied: “Any project. Any role he wants.”

He later added: “I can’t think of a single project that wouldn’t be elevated by the participation of John Boyega. Not one.” Cathy Yan, director of Birds of Prey, was another to reply, saying: “I would love to work with John Boyega.”