John Boyega has once again spoken honestly about his experience in the Star Wars universe. In the Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, he said Star Wars is “so white that a Black person existing in it was something.” His words reflect more than just his personal journey—they expose a long-standing discomfort within the franchise when it comes to Black characters in leading roles.
Boyega’s role as Finn was heavily promoted ahead of The Force Awakens. Many fans believed he would be a central figure. But as the trilogy unfolded, his storyline faded. By The Rise of Skywalker, he was sidelined. Boyega has made it clear that the studio failed him and other characters of color, including Kelly Marie Tran and Naomi Ackie. In his 2020 GQ interview, he said Disney knew how to build complex stories for white characters but failed to do the same for him.
The Backlash Begins Before the Camera Rolls
Boyega’s latest remarks come as more actors of color in Star Wars speak out. Amandla Stenberg, lead of The Acolyte, addressed the hate she faced before the show even aired, calling it a “rampage of hyper-conservative bigotry.” In a show of support, Boyega commented on her Instagram post with a GIF of Han Solo, a symbolic gesture of solidarity during a painful moment.
John Boyega in Amandla's comments. This franchise did them both so nasty pic.twitter.com/TnJeZeouL7
— c (@baeduans) August 21, 2024
She wasn’t alone. Moses Ingram faced similar racist abuse after her role in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Disney issued a statement defending her, but the damage was already done. Kelly Marie Tran was bullied so badly after The Last Jedi that she left social media altogether.
The Acolyte Faced More Than Just Criticism
Despite solid performances and fresh storytelling, the series was canceled after just one season. Online, racist influencers celebrated its end, calling it a win against “wokeness.” YouTube videos mocked the cast. Elon Musk posted a cryptic message that many interpreted as support for the backlash. The hate was loud, coordinated, and encouraged by platforms that profit off outrage.
Hollywood Needs to Learn the Right Lessons
Boyega’s words are not just a critique of Star Wars. They are a message to all of Hollywood. If studios want to diversify their franchises, they need to protect and promote the actors they cast. It is not enough to give someone a lightsaber and call it progress. Representation must be backed by storylines, support, and action when hate arrives.
The treatment of Boyega, Stenberg, Tran, and so many others shows that the industry still has far to go. Until major studios stand firmly behind their stars, the cycle of casting, backlash, and silence will continue. And fans like Boyega—who wanted to lead and inspire—will keep calling it out.
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