Key Highlights
- John Boyega, who starred as Finn in the Disney-backed Star Wars sequel trilogy, praised Star Trek for its pacing and discussed his dissatisfaction with the direction of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- The actor would have made significant changes to the sequel trilogy, including fulfilling the legacy of original stars Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford and making new characters less powerful to allow for their development over time.
- Boyega stated that any return to Star Wars is dependent on treating the character well, and he does not see himself joining the Star Trek franchise in the future.
Star Wars vs. Star Trek: A Comparison of Pacing and Storytelling
In a recent interview with Gizmodo, British actor John Boyega, known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, highlighted one area where he believes Star Trek outshines its counterpart: pacing. Boyega emphasized that Star Trek excels at giving audiences time to engage deeply with their characters and storylines, an aspect he feels is lacking in recent Star Wars films.
Boyega’s comments come as the Star Wars franchise continues to expand, with new installments like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and a new trilogy set for release. Despite this ongoing expansion, Boyega remains critical of certain aspects of the recent sequels, suggesting that they fell short in terms of character development and narrative pacing.
Desired Changes to Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
During his discussion with Gizmodo, Boyega outlined several changes he would have implemented if given the opportunity. One significant alteration was his desire to retain original stars Mark Hamill (as Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (as Han Solo), fulfilling their legacies alongside Carrie Fisher’s portrayal of Leia. Boyega argued that this approach would have provided continuity and allowed for a more nuanced exploration of these iconic characters.
Another point raised by the actor was his belief that new characters should be introduced gradually, with less initial power to allow for their growth over time. This suggestion is particularly relevant given Finn’s arc in the sequel trilogy, which Boyega felt did not adequately showcase his character development and progression.
The Future of Star Wars
Despite these criticisms, Boyega expressed no immediate plans to return to the Star Wars franchise, stating his commitment to “staying on team” as a “lightsaber guy.” However, he did emphasize that any potential return would depend on how well his character is treated. This sentiment reflects both Boyega’s dedication to his role and his broader concerns about the direction of the franchise.
Industry Context and Expert Perspectives
The comments from John Boyega reflect a larger discussion within the entertainment industry about the pacing and storytelling techniques in major franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. These discussions often highlight the tension between rapid narrative advancements and character development, with each series adopting different strategies to maintain audience engagement.
Industry experts have long debated the merits of slower-paced storytelling versus fast-paced plot-driven narratives. While Boyega’s preference for the former is certainly noteworthy, it also underscores the need for balance in crafting compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences over extended periods.
Conclusion
The insights provided by John Boyega offer valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics within major film franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. As these franchises continue to grow and adapt, it remains to be seen whether their storytelling approaches will converge or remain distinctly different. One thing is clear: the passion for both series continues to drive ongoing conversations about what makes for effective and engaging science fiction narratives.
