AceShowbiz - John Boyega thanked Tom Cruise for helping him land "Star Wars" role. In an intriguing revelation made during his Popverse-hosted spotlight panel at Emerald City Comic Con 2025, the actor recognized for his portrayal of Finn in the galaxy far, far away, dished on Cruise's instrumental role in helping him land the iconic role.

Back in 2010s when discussions about "Star Wars" revival were brewing, Boyega was a relatively unknown actor with only one major film, "Attack the Block", under his belt.

Boyega recounted, "I'm thankful to Tom Cruise, who loved Attack the Block. He was editing Mission: Impossible at the time with J.J. Abrams. Tom told J.J., 'You've got to watch this kid in Attack the Block.' J.J. watched it, and one thing led to another, and four or five years later, I was in the movie."

This recommendation from Cruise turned out to be a career-defining moment for Boyega. As it appears, had it not been for Cruise's advocacy, J.J. Abrams - director of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - might never have discovered Boyega's compelling performance, and the course of Boyega's acting career could have been significantly different without this crucial endorsement.

While Boyega and Cruise have yet to collaborate on a project, the influence Cruise had on Boyega's career trajectory is undeniable. When asked about the potential of teaming up with Cruise for a "Mission: Impossible" film, Boyega playfully dismissed the prospect, particularly the idea of performing the high-risk stunts Cruise is renowned for.

"I ain't doing all of that, Tom. But I would easily be the man in the chair," Boyega joked, expressing his preference for a less physically demanding role, perhaps akin to a behind-the-scenes tech expert. This humorous remark underscores Boyega's admiration for Cruise's stunt work while highlighting his own boundaries.

The story of how a few words from a Hollywood heavyweight like Tom Cruise can shape careers is both inspiring and unexpected. Though the two might not be sharing the big screen anytime soon, their unique connection speaks volumes about the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.

For those interested in more insights and anecdotes from John Boyega, the full session, "The Force of Talent: Spotlight on John Boyega", from ECCC 2025's Main Stage powered by Xfinity, is available as part of Popverse's extensive coverage of the event. So, young fans, take note - you never know who might be your unexpected hero in your journey to success.