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. My mum and dad moved to London when they had my eldest sister. They started a life in London as immigrants, and they built up from there. They're no actors in my family, but there are definitely animated black people in my family.
John BoyegaI want to see more people of different backgrounds being cast in films. I want to see people from inner cities being discovered, because that's where you find some really brilliant artists.
John BoyegaMy dad's a Pentecostal minister, meaning that he's full of charisma. If he's telling a story about Noah's ark, you best know each tiger is going to be having their own little conversation and narrative.
John BoyegaHollywood is so fixated on keeping it that way because it's generating the buzz, but that representation isn't right. I definitely feel like it's getting better - it's not only for blacks, but for people that are of all different skin colors. It is very important that black independent films get seen. We need to start getting used to black people. They exist. And they've been around for a long time. It's amazing that people still feel, "Oh my gosh, it's a black guy."
John BoyegaSome 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. That's also reality. Things working out is a reality. It's encouraging.
John BoyegaI got the script of Imperial Dreams from my agent. I was at home having a full English breakfast and the email came through in my junkmail. Funnily enough, I was paying a T-Mobile bill, so I was able to see the email. After that I was engaged in the story. I was scared - fearful - because the story doesn't just penetrate one level in terms of narrative; it goes that level after.
John BoyegaWe've grown up with American movies. Not to say that American movies - or movies that have been based in Watts, Compton, or Inglewood - are a 100% true depiction of that world. But also you have inner-city London, and the foundations are pretty much the same. Especially me, growing up in Southeast London, in Peckham.
John BoyegaI think what Robert Redford established is amazing; thank god for Robert Redford. He's set an amazing example with Sundance and I hope to follow that in my own way.
John BoyegaPeople watch me when I get into these characters that I have in my head, so perhaps I should try acting. So I did.
John BoyegaYou take your audience through such a story where they have to invest their energy and emotion, and to slap them in the face with, "Well, this is how life is. Bye," wouldn't have been as great as the ending that we have, which is optimistic and hopeful. It's not happy 100%, but it does make you feel like, "This kid may just be okay."
John BoyegaGuys, I haven't been doing this for a long time, it's a fluke! I'm gonna share this BAFTA award with all the young dreamers who are determined, who are hard working, who are quite frankly amazing. This is also for you. Blessings for your path and God bless.
John BoyegaI love London. I'm a London fanatic. That's my city. I love being from there, you don't appreciate it until you go out.
John BoyegaI remember my manager telling me, 'Be myself, be humble, keep rooted, keep God first'. Those words were very helpful.
John BoyegaNot everybody has that mentality and that's fine, but once Robert Redford leaves this earth - later rather than sooner - his legacy will go on.
John BoyegaLet's get used to other cultures. Portray the world for what it is and you will find truth.
John BoyegaI love film so much. I think theatre will definitely be there for me as well, but for now I'd like to do more films.
John BoyegaI've only been three years in the industry - but I would say from my observations, my personal opinions, that the world in Hollywood and all the big movies has been built up as just white.
John BoyegaYou could easily play the guy as straight-up hood throughout the whole movie, the Imperial Courts, but writer and director Malik Vitthal envisioned a human being that has never been seen before in film: a black man in circumstances that he does not like, who is passionate - persistent - in turning it around.
John BoyegaI love theatre. I think it's the home of most actors...most actors start with it. It's so enjoyable to do and to be able to see your audience. And the process of theatre is great.
John BoyegaActing careers dont come out fully formed - not unless your name is Jaden Smith and your dad has done it all.
John BoyegaI'm a London fanatic. That's my city. I love being from there, you don't appreciate it until you go out.
John BoyegaEvery time I go out in London, I'm not always with my guys. I have three female friends that I'll go out with all the time. I'm the only guy there.
John BoyegaYou have to realize that for some of these people - definitely me when I was growing up - you treat every day like it's your last, because that's the reality of your situation. You never know when someone's going to go, because you're living in a war zone. It's almost like you're in a jungle, and you're just waiting for the predator to catch everybody one by one. So everybody cherishes each other. Instead of calling people the n-word, you're calling people "loved one." There is a level of appreciation for brothers and sisters in the hood.
John BoyegaMy 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.
John Boyega