John Boyega Named British GQ’s Icon of the Year / Speaks On Sparking Change & More

Cop a gander of John Boyega, who has been unveiled as British GQ‘s Icon of the Year.

And what a year it’s been for the actor.

For, beyond shooting Steve McQueen’s ‘Small Axe,’ the 28-year-old has used his platform to advocate for causes that have an impact both professionally and culturally.

Even if it meant risking his career.

Head below to see what the star had to say about his 2020 and fulfilment it’s given him.

On Breaking His Silence About His Experience With ‘Star Wars’ Fans & Calling For Change:

“You didn’t know what was going on, but it was like a little light against a batch of TNT. Because there were certain truths. So I knew what the process would be like for the audience and what people would say. But now it’s not the elephant in the room – which is brilliant. Now it’s not an alien conversation to have and so I feel like my role has been fulfilled in terms of the discussions I’ve had since.

Loads of people got in touch and reached out. People who are just starting out their careers as actors and also some established people who stay quite silent about what they go through. It’s complicated, because beyond what we post on Instagram and Twitter there’s a whole life of different discussions and experiences. And I guess because sometimes when you have financial stability, you feel too scared to speak up about anything that’s worrying you because people will just be like, ‘You have money. Shut up.’

On The Aftermath:

“I’ve spoken to [Star Wars director] JJ [Abrams], I’ve spoken to [Lucasfilm president] Kathy Kennedy and it was a transparent, open conversation,” he begins, in a low voice. “[Kathy] keeps in touch and will drop me an email once in a while. It was great to share our different ideas and concerns and just speak about it honestly. And for me, man, it’s very hard to get people to that point. Sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do. So it was a very beneficial and positive conversation and I really appreciate the fact that she reached out.”

On Speaking Up About Racism, Brutality, & Problematic Representation:

“I legit had tweets from people saying, ‘John Boyega must have a team of people who set up these things to make his voice more valid.’ And you know what? That’s the first time I’ve seen something like that and thought, ‘Do you know what, bro? I see why you think that.’ If I wasn’t me, I’d be like, ‘My man’s planning these things.’ But I just unfortunately find myself navigating a space where these challenges come up.”

On Working With Steve McQueen On ‘Small Axe’:

“After everything that’s happened in my career and life it was so important for me to work with Steve McQueen. He’s sort of like my guardian angel in the form of a director. And it’s the safest I’ve ever felt.”

Check out Boyega in the anthology below:

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: British GQ / Danny Kasirye]