John Boyega seems to be making a few media rounds following his being awarded the Trophée Chopard at Cannes.  Vulture caught up with FN-2187 himself, and Boyega discussed a variety of topics, including what it’s like to work with Rian Johnson, Star Wars newcomer Kelly Marie Tran, and even his thoughts on the MakingStarWars.net exclusive report on Tom Hardy’s role in Star Wars: Episode VIII.

Boyega’s response to the MakingStarWars.net report on Tom Hardy in Episode VIII:

I’ve heard a rumor, which you can refute, that Tom Hardy may have come on set to do a day as a Stormtrooper who slaps your ass.
Who slaps my ass? Wow! Did Tom say that?

You know, just like how Daniel Craig came on as a Stormtrooper last time …
Okay. Okay. Next time I go on set I’m going to release a helmet and see if Tom Hardy’s in there!

Of course Boyega’s not going to be able to comment beyond that.  But I really enjoyed his reaction.

Boyega on working with Rian Johnson:

How is working with Rian Johnson different than J.J. Abrams?
Rian is his own man. You can’t compare the two. They’re of the same ilk, creatively, both talented. But two different guys, man. I really, really dig Rian, to step in like that. I hope we get to work together on something in the future, because he’s got a great artistic eye. He’s not Hollywood at all. This is a big Hollywood blockbuster film, but you know what I’m saying, with him behind the energy, you don’t feel like you’re on a Hollywood set. You feel like you’re in the midst of friends and people who want to work on something creatively great.

It’s great that Boyega is enjoying working with Johnson so much that he’s already talking about wanting to work with him again in the future.  He’s obviously having a fantastic experience.  It will be very interesting to see how different in tone Episode VIII will be compared to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Boyega on Kelly Marie Tran, who is rumored to have a significant role opposite Boyega in Episode VIII:

There’s a woman in Episode VIII, Kelly Marie Tran, who’s going to be breaking barriers like you did in The Force Awakens.
[Boyega beams and nods vigorously.]

She’ll be the first Asian person to play a major Star Warscharacter, but no one knows anything about her. What can you tell us? What’s she like?
I love her. I love her. I think she’s fantastic. But she’ll tell her own story. I feel it’s always weird or wrong for someone the world hasn’t met, for me to come and start talking about her. 

Not even to say what it’s like working with her?
She’s great. She’s freaking great, and I love her. I freaking love her. She’s fantastic. Seriously. She’s changed a lot in terms of perspective on just chemistry and industry. She’s a real cool girl.

She’s changed you?
Yeah, yeah! Her outlook. It’s a friendship thing in the sense of you meet someone and you’re just like, “I vibe with you. I feel like I’ve known you for years.” And that’s a very, very good thing.

And you’ll be working opposite each other most of the movie, right?
Girl, you know I can’t tell you that! [Laughs.] I don’t know what I can and can’t say. [It depends on] what beeps in my head whenever I … [Heindicates that he has an explosive device implanted in his temple]. But she’s fully in the movie, she’s a great character, and I can’t wait for you guys to be introduced to her.

And just to be the first Asian in a major role. You were kind of in a similar position in the last episode.
Oh yeah! And that’s why I’m just here to enjoy the show. [He leans back in his chair.] Oh yes, diversity!

Since Kelly Marie Tran was announced to be in Episode VIII, Boyega has been one of her most vocal and enthusiastic supporters.  This is obviously a topic that’s very near and dear to my heart and it’s really encouraging to hear his enthusiasm for her as an actress and her role in the film.  It also gives me substantial hope that Tran’s role will be significant and not just a glorified cameo (Looking at you Kanjiklub…through tears…). #GoAsians.

I love Boyega’s passion and love for Star Wars.  It’s great to have him as an ambassador of the franchise.  Be sure to head over to Vulture to read the full interview.  December 2017 can’t come soon enough!