John Boyega Details How Tom Cruise Helped Him Get Star Wars Role

A chance encounter saved a young actor from financial disaster.

John Boyega revealed that Tom Cruse helped him secure his first auditions for the role of Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Their chance meeting took place while Cruise and J.J. Abrams were working together on Mission: Impossible.

Cruise recognized the young actor from the sci-fi action film Attack the Block and decided to personally recommend him to the director:

At the time of his meeting with Cruise, Boyega had about $400 left, and Attack the Block was the only notable work in his career. However, a few months later, the actor’s representatives received a call inviting him to audition for a certain “space movie” for the role of “Guy Number One.”

Boyega ultimately landed the role of former stormtrooper Finn and played him throughout the entire Star Wars sequel trilogy, which apparently helped him improve his financial situation.