John Boyega and writer-director Steve McQueen are planning to work on another project together, following the success of their collaboration on a film for BBC One's Small Axe.

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Red, White and Blue tells the true story of Black police officer Leroy Logan (Boyega), who joined the force in the 1980s amid an atmosphere of racist abuse and opposition from his own father.

His story is one of many depicted in the anthology series, which is comprised of five individual films, each one offering a snapshot of a pivotal moment in Black British history.

Speaking at a virtual press event, Boyega had nothing but good things to say about his time with McQueen, stating that he would like to work with the Academy Award-winning filmmaker "several different times" after Small Axe.

Boyega said: "I like the man, that's the first fundamental thing. I like the human, I like what he stands for and the way he thinks. I like how charming he is, how loving he is, and I like that he’s in touch with his masculine and his feminine [sides], he’s a very balanced individual."

The actor is confident that the success of Small Axe will lead to more stories about Black British history, which has historically been underrepresented in film and television.

In fact, Boyega and McQueen are already thinking ahead to their next project together, although the former Star Wars actor stopped short of revealing exactly what it will be.

He added: "I’ve been talking to Steve, we’re going to work with each other again and we’re going to do something here at home. So it’s inspired much more of these kinds of collaborations which is great."

John Boyega in Small Axe
John Boyega in Small Axe BBC

McQueen echoed his enthusiasm, promising viewers that they will see Boyega in "a whole new light" when Red, White and Blue airs on BBC One.

"John was always in my mind to play Leroy," the director said in a document to the press. "He’s someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time and this felt like the perfect opportunity. I’m really excited for audiences to see him in this film.

"This is a new actor on the scene, as far as I’m concerned. You’ve not seen John as a mature man as you do in this role. Audiences will be able to see him in a whole new light, a whole new person and a really great actor at his peak."

Boyega has previously made it clear that he's "moved on" from Star Wars, after portraying stormtrooper-turned-rebel Finn across The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and last year's The Rise of Skywalker.

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Small Axe premieres on Sunday 15th November on BBC One. While you’re waiting, visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight, or check out our guide to new TV shows 2020 to find out what's airing this autumn and beyond.

Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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