Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega is now playing in the big leagues, with the young actor being offered role after role in numerous high profile projects. Not too long ago we learned that he’d snagged the lead in the Pacific Rim sequel, and now Deadline is telling us that he’s signed on for Kathryn Bigelow’s untitled Detroit Riots film.
Written by Mark Boal, the crime drama will head in front of cameras this summer and takes place “against the backdrop of Detroit in 1967 amid the city’s devastating riots that took place over five summer days.” The film will explore “systemic racism in urban Detroit” and is being targeted for a 2017 release, to time it with the 50th anniversary of the riots.
Aside from Boyega, no other actors have been cast, but now that a star has been set, you can expect that to change soon. With the Force Awakens star and both Bigelow and Boal all on board, the untitled film is shaping up to be a definite awards contender. And with shooting getting underway in the next month or so, you can expect to hear a lot more about this exciting new project in the very near future.