J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was praised for its diversity, with John Boyega and Daisy Ridley headlining the major blockbuster. Lucasfilm intended to make a statement and its eclectic representation connected with fans in a big way. Given all that, it's no surprise that the studio will continue that trend with Rian Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
Not only will Boyega, Ridley and the main stars from "The Force Awakens" all return, but they'll be joined by some new faces. Puerto Rican Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro is taking on a mysterious role in the highly anticipated sequel, as is relative newcomer Kelly Marie Tran. The Asian American actress has been described by Boyega as the "new lead" in "Episode VIII," and the "Star Wars" star recently went on to praise her work in the film.
"I love her. I love her," Boyega said. "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."
But Boyega would open up about what it was like working with her on "Star Wars."
"She's great. She's freaking great, and I love her," he said. "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...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."
Unfortunately for eager fans, Boyega would not divulge any specific plot details when asked if his character will be sharing the screen with Tran's in "Episode VIII."
"...You know I can't tell you that! I don't know what I can and can't say. [It depends on] what beeps in my head whenever I...[He indicates that he has an explosive device planted 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."
"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will arrive in theaters on Dec. 17, 2017.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Grat_Katzby