Even before he got to be a part of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," John Boyega was already a huge fan of the "Star Wars" franchise.
So when he finally landed the role of Finn in the seventh installment earlier this year, the experience was so emotional for him that the actor dropped his tough guy persona and burst into tears.
"When I read the script I cried, and I'm not really a big crier... I'm more like a frog-in-the- throat kind of guy, who'll try to hold it in and make sure I don't let it all out," he said during an interview with GQ magazine.
It wasn't any wonder why Boyega got so emotional when he finally read Finn's script. The mysterious new character's story might be tear-inducing and tug at the heartstrings, but Boyega's tears might have also stemmed from the fact that he worked very hard to nab the role of Finn.
"I was unleashed into seven months of auditions. It was like 'The X Factor' but without the TV show around it. It was intense," he shared.
Even though the audition process was gruelling, Boyega said it was still worth it because he has fallen in love with his character and his story.
"Finn is dope. His story is so epic. It's a story that's never been seen before, but it also mirrors the stories of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. And he's quirky and charismatic and funny. For me, he was the best character in the script," he cannot help but gush.
It would have been a treat for any "Star Wars" fans to be on the film's set and play around with the iconic lightsabers. But for Boyega, the experience felt more like an intense workout rather than play time.
"They're heavy, those things, and there's a lot of running involved. I was trained on a high incline treadmill so when it came to it I could sprint around the desert in a leather jacket. They should do a 'Star Wars' weight loss program," he jokingly said.
Other stars of the film include Daisy Ridley's Rey, Gwendoline Christie's Captain Phasma, Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, and Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron.
As for the old characters, Harrison Ford will be reprising his role as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher will be back as Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill will once again be Luke Skywalker.
The film will be directed by J.J. Abrams while he and Lawrence Kasdan will be working on the screenplay. It has been slated for release on December 18, 2015.
