John Boyega confirms talks with Dave Filoni about Star Wars return
The actor who played Finn has softened his stance after years of criticism over Disney's handling of his character. Boyega previously said he was "done" with Star Wars following The Rise of Skywalker's disappointing conclusion.
John Boyega has confirmed he's spoken with Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni about a potential Star Wars return, signalling a dramatic shift from his previous stance. The actor, who played Finn in the sequel trilogy, revealed the conversation during a fan panel at Megacon Orlando — years after saying he was 'done' with the franchise.
Key Takeaways
- John Boyega confirmed at Megacon Orlando that he has spoken with Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni about a potential return to Star Wars.
- This marks a significant shift from his 2022 stance when he said he was 'cool off' playing Finn again.
- Boyega previously criticised Disney in 2020 for sidelining his character Finn in the sequel trilogy.
- The Mandalorian And Grogu releases 22 May 2025, with Ryan Gosling's Star Wars: Starfighter following 28 May 2027.
- No official confirmation from Lucasfilm has been made regarding Boyega's potential return to the franchise.
What changed Boyega's mind about Star Wars?
When an audience member at Megacon Orlando shouted 'Get Dave [Filoni] on the phone,' Boyega replied simply: 'I actually have, actually.' He didn't elaborate further, but the fact he reached out to Filoni at all suggests his position has softened considerably.
This represents a notable shift from his 2022 SiriusXM interview, where he stated: 'At this point I'm cool off it, I'm good off it. Versatility is my path and Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things: the games, the animation.'
Dave Filoni's appointment as Lucasfilm president likely plays a significant role here. Known for his work on The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, Filoni has earned respect from fans and actors alike for his understanding of Star Wars storytelling — something that may have given Boyega confidence in potential future projects.
Why Boyega walked away from Star Wars initially
Boyega's previous reluctance stemmed from legitimate concerns about how Disney handled Finn's character arc. In a candid 2020 GQ interview, he didn't hold back: 'What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a Black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are and then have them pushed to the side. It's not good. I'll say it straight up.'
The criticism centred on The Rise of Skywalker, which left Finn's Force-sensitive abilities largely unexplored despite hints throughout the trilogy. While Finn received significant screen time, many fans felt his potential was wasted — a sentiment Boyega clearly shared.
His frustrations were understandable. Finn began as a stormtrooper-turned-hero with compelling potential, but the sequel trilogy never fully capitalised on his unique background or developing Force abilities.
What this means for future Star Wars projects
In our view, while discussions may be happening, nothing concrete has emerged yet. Lucasfilm has multiple projects in development, including confirmed plans to bring back Daisy Ridley's Rey for films set after The Rise of Skywalker. If Boyega does return, Rey's storyline would be the natural place for Finn to reappear.
The timing could work well. Filoni's leadership represents a new direction for Lucasfilm, and his track record suggests he understands how to handle beloved characters properly. For UAE fans who've been following this saga, there's cautious optimism mixed with healthy scepticism — many remember feeling disappointed by Finn's arc before.
When and where to watch upcoming Star Wars films
Before any potential Boyega return, Star Wars fans in the UAE can look forward to The Mandalorian And Grogu, hitting cinemas on 22 May 2025. The film will likely release a day before in UAE, following the pattern of other theatrical releases.
Ryan Gosling's Star Wars: Starfighter follows on 28 May 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Boyega returning to Star Wars?
John Boyega has confirmed he's spoken with Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni about a potential return, but no official announcement has been made. This represents a shift from his previous stance of being 'done' with the franchise.
Why did John Boyega previously say he wouldn't play Finn again?
Boyega criticised Disney for sidelining Finn's character in the sequel trilogy, particularly in The Rise of Skywalker. He felt his character was marketed as more important than the films ultimately made him.
Who is Dave Filoni?
Dave Filoni is the new president of Lucasfilm, known for his work on Star Wars animated series like The Clone Wars and live-action shows including The Mandalorian. He's widely respected by fans for understanding Star Wars storytelling.
When do the next Star Wars films release?
The Mandalorian And Grogu releases on 22 May 2025, followed by Ryan Gosling's Star Wars: Starfighter on 28 May 2027. UAE release dates typically align with global theatrical releases.
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