John Boyega to Star in 'Pacific Rim' Sequel

Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega will star as the lead in the upcoming Pacific Rim sequel, Deadline announced today. Steven S. DeKnight, who's most known for his work in television and as producer and showrunner of Netflix's Daredevil series, is directing.

Boyega will star as the son of Idris Elba's character from the first film, Commanding Officer Stacker Pentecost who lead his team of Jaeger pilots to fight against alien monsters that came from an interdimensional rift at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

I'll be taking on the Pacific Rim franchise with Steven S.Deknight directing. Very excited!

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 6, 2016

Guillermo del Toro, one of the original creators of the franchise alongside Travis Beacham and director of the first film, will produce the sequel along with Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, and Jon Jashni. In addition, John Boyega and Femi Oguns will be co-producers under their own company, Upper Room Productions. The film will be a co-production with Legendary Pictures.

So happy! My company UpperRoom Productions founded by myself & @MrFemiOguns, will co-produce #PacificRim2 alongside @Legendary

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 6, 2016

“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox," said Guillermo del Toro. "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.”

“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.

The currently untitled Pacific Rim sequel is slated to begin production in the fourth quarter of this year.