Actor Playing Black Stormtrooper to Commenters: ‘What Are You Going to Do About It?’

When the first trailer for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens emerged, some commenters on the Internet were peeved to see a black actor playing a Stormtrooper in the film.

But that’s not bothering actor John Boyega, who called the negativity “unnecessary” in an interview with V Magazine. “I’m in the movie, what are you going to do about it? You either enjoy it or you don’t. I’m not saying get used to the future, but what is already happening. People of color and women are increasingly being shown on-screen. For things to be whitewashed just doesn’t make sense.”

Boyega also opened up about his character, whose plot line remains mysterious; he’s been seen both in his Stormtrooper uniform and in personal clothes, which has sparked fan theories about what his role might be. He says the truth will be “very surprising” to moviegoers, and from the speculation he’s seen so far, “nobody has a clue.”

Boyega is a relative newcomer to Hollywood, and says he has a helpful mentor to show him the ropes: Robert Downey, Jr. “He’s helped me prepare for how my life is going to change and that has been inspiring,” Boyega says. “I’m talking to someone who understands the power of choices, both positive and negative.”

Star Wars hits theaters Dec. 18.

[V Magazine]