John Boyega

“Acting careers don't come out fully formed - not unless your name is Jaden Smith and your dad has done it all.”

“My dad is a minister, and my mum is a worker with the less fortunate and the disabled. They're Nigerian natives. Their first language is Yoruba, and their second language is English.”

“Like any other actor, my agent called me with an opportunity. It just so happens that the opportunity was the lead in 'Star Wars.'”

“Portray the world for what it is, and you will find truth.”

“When I was in primary school, I was given a five-line script in 'Anansi the Spider Man,' and I decided to just improv and make it my own. For a second, I felt like Kevin Hart because everyone was laughing. I just continued to do it. Why not?”

“Being robbed hurts - not physically, but from what it does to your pride.”

“All the films I've done have had a secret commentary on stereotypical mentalities.”

“The 'block' in 'Attack the Block' is not just a physical thing. It's people; it's families.”

“You know, urban culture is fun; it's lovely.”

“I love my jackets and good tailoring. I love the designs and the colour.”

“It's always great to play a character that goes against the grain. Finn defies what people think when they think of stormtroopers.”

“Despite that it's 'Star Wars' and how huge it is, it's still work to me, and that element of things grounds you, especially from nerding out a few times. Although, some days I can't control myself.”

“I remember my manager telling me, 'Be myself, be humble, keep rooted, keep God first'. Those words were very helpful.”

“The scripts that I've been getting are of epic proportion. People want me to lead the big armies.”

“In the States, you have a little bit of freedom to audition for different kinds of roles.”

“I love London. I'm a London fanatic. That's my city.”

“I like my women very green; you know, eco-friendly.”

“People of color and women are increasingly being shown on-screen. For things to be whitewashed just doesn't make sense.”

“It's amazing that people still feel, 'Oh my gosh, it's a black guy.' We've been here for a long time; let's get used to it. Let's get used to other cultures.”

“Some people feel fulfillment from a bitter end - it gives them some sort of sense of reality. But, when you're dealing with reality, I feel like films should discover the part that is happy.”