John Boyega Adds Another Project: Kathryn Bigelow’s Film on the 1967 Detroit Riots
Boyega announced the news on Twitter Tuesday.
Week before last, news broke that the John Boyega signed on to co-produce under his production company Upper Room Productions as well as play Idris Elba’s son in the sequel to sci-fi blockbuster Pacific Rim.
Then Tuesday afternoon, Hollywood’s rising star announced that he’s adding another project to what looks like an already stacked plate.
I've teamed up with Kathryn Bigalow for a movie based on the Detroit riots in 1967. #12thstreet
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 21, 2016
Boyega has been cast in Zero Dark Thirty director Kathryn Bigelow’s unnamed crime drama centering on the 1967 Detroit race riots incited by police brutality, segregated housing and mounting black unemployment. Sound familiar? It devastated the Motor City and is considered one of the most violent urban insurrections of the 20th century.
Not much is known about the character Boyega will portray, but what we do know is a summer shoot in Detroit and Boston are planned, according to the Hollywood Reporter. A 2017 release is possible, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the race riots.
He also has The Circle with Tom Hanks and Emma Watson in the works.
It’s great to see that Boyega has been able to capitalize on his breakout role as stormtrooper, Finn, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (he’s currently shooting the follow-up) and is solidifying himself as an in-demand Hollywood actor.