Star Wars actor John Boyega: ‘Black lives have always mattered.’

Protests in solidarity to the death of George Floyd have happened in cities around the world. John Boyega, known for his rolein the Star Wars trilogy, led the protests in London. He made it clear the protest was more important than any future acting jobs.

Actor John Boyega speaks at a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London. Source: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

In the last few days, Black Lives Matter solidarity protests have been happening worldwide - from Berlin, Dublin, Sydney to London.

With a crowd of thousands of young people, British actor John Boyega led the protests in London.

Boyega, who played Finn in the recent Star Wars films, cupped his megaphone and told those in attendance: "I'm speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don't know if I'm going to have a career after this, but fuck that."

Boyega hasn’t been afraid to make his feelings about racism and police brutality clear. 

Last week, just a few days into the protests in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd, he went on Instagram to address his fans: “Any racist shit that’s straight up blocked, it’s fine.”

“If you’re a fan of me, and you’re racist: f*ck off...I’m not the guy, I’m not Hollywood,” Boyega said.

At the protest, Boyega made a three minute long speech. One highlight that’s been shared over social media was his impassioned rallying cry: “Black lives have always mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.”

Nearing the end of the protests Boyega thanked everyone, told the black protesters in the crowd “black people I love you”, before calling on everyone to “take a knee”.

Even the police in attendance joined in to pay their respects.

While he commented that he might be risking his career with his actions, it doesn't seem like that's likely.

A few hours after the protests, LucasFilm released a statement over Twitter giving their support to Boyega.

"LucasFilm stands with John Boyega and his message," the statement read.

"The evil that is racism must stop. We will commit to being a part of the change that is long overdue in the world.

"John Boyega, you are our hero."