John Boyega Will Star as Idris Elba’s Son in ‘Pacific Rim 2’

It’s been a big several months for John Boyega of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Having become an integral part of one franchise, it only makes sense that he would move on to fill large roles in some of our other favorite film franchises. And producer Guillermo del Toro might be just as excited as the rest of us that Boyega will now join the cast for the Pacific Rim sequel. Per Variety:

I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The ‘Pacific Rim’ universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.

The sequel comes out next year. Boyega will star as the son of Idris Elba’s character from the original 2013 flick. Steven S. DeKnight will again direct and Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni and del Toro return as producers. Boyega and Femi Oguns will also get production credits under their Upper Room Productions moniker. Producer Mary Parent too is on Team Boyega:

It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today’s generation of young leading men,” said Mary Parent, Legendary’s vice chairman of worldwide production.

It’s hard to find anything bad to say right now. And I always have something negative. Expectations are high though following the success of the first film.

The first “Pacific Rim,” directed by del Toro, hit theaters in 2013. The film, which also starred Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Robert Kazinsky, grossed $411 million worldwide on a $190 million price tag.

Fingers crossed… but it seems like it’s in good hands.