John Boyega Dishes About Star Wars Casting and Why Robert Downey Jr. Is His Mentor

British-Nigerian actor John Boyega instantly became a household name when he was added to the illustrious list of cast members of one of the most anticipated films in recent history – not to mention an endearingly revered saga that has effortlessly evolved into an American intitution.

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens will arrive in theaters this December, and Boyega is bracing for the sweet aftermath – when his status in Hollywood will immediately default to the renderings of a superstar on the rise.

Of course all the fanfare and adulation will be verified through the role that caused unnecessary uproar. But that only motivated the 23-year-old actor even more as he challenged the naysayers by shutting down the very notion that his assignment as a storm trooper was somehow a deviation from the norm.

In a revealing interview with V Man #34, Boyega opens up to writer David Renshaw about how the job of a lifetime landed on his lap. He confirms that he and J.J. Abrams were already communicating before the famed director offered him the opportunity of a lifetime. Abrams had been privy of his earlier work – specifically in the 2011 movie, Attack the Block and was impressed enough to reach out for a breakfast meeting. That was when Boyega found out that his life was about to change forever.

Boyega also divulges about his mentor who is none other than Iron Man himself – Robert Downey Jr. Seems like this bond is guaranteed to equip him for a future that will be filled with starry dust that can either blind or set the path to consistent excellence. Considering the erratic landscape that shaped Downey Jr. – it is likely that he will have helpful advise for an up and comer who refuses to make the same mistakes he made.

Boyega seems to think so as he summarized his burgeoning relationship with the highest paid actor in Hollywood – “He’s helped me prepare for how my life is going to change and that has been inspiring. I’m talking to someone who understands the power of choices, both positive and negative”.