John Boyega Shock: Star Wars Actor Gets Recast After Abandoning $25 Million Netflix Project

Star Wars actor John Boyega is already no stranger to controversy and over the past year alone, the British-Nigerian actor was the subject of several news headlines following his much-talked-about battle with Disney and Lucasfilm over their treatment of BIPOC actors like him. That issue has already been resolved when he and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy had a serious discussion about his grievances.

However, last June, the spotlight was once again on Boyega after he allegedly "walked out" of his supposed $25 million project with Netflix without notice.

John Boyega Under Fire for Allegedly Abandoning $25-Million Netflix Project

Credit: Lucasfilm

The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news a few months back that the Finn actor left the set of his Netflix project, Rebel Ridge, without anyone's knowledge. What's puzzling is that according to the film's staff and crew, there was "no incident that prompted Boyega to leave in the midst of the shooting". After the issue blew up, Boyega's agent offered some clarity and while he admitted that Boyega left the film's set, it was actually due to a family emergency that was never disclosed.

Netflix Officially Replaces John Boyega in Rebel Ridge

Credit: Lucasfilm

Rebel Ridge is still in production but the streaming giant has officially replaced Boyega as its lead actor. According to a report from ScreenDaily, Aaron Pierre is now set to headline the Jeremy Saulnier-helmed project. As it stands, Netflix has yet to address the controversy surrounding Boyega's abrupt exit.

Also Read: John Boyega Under Fire for 'Walking Out' on Upcoming Netflix Project

Boyega, who has been quite outspoken about his issues on social media has never addressed the matter. Of course, it would be safe to assume that he and Netflix have both agreed to push through with Rebel Ridge without his involvement, and for all we know, the issue may have already been resolved. Still, the lack of official statements from both parties makes it seem like Boyega was being unprofessional.



Meanwhile, the entire Skywalker saga is available for streaming on Disney+.