John Boyega claimed he has his sights set on a new project as he faces a Star Wars-free future for the first time in six years -- he would love to be a part of the cast of Netflix' Bridgerton in place of Regé-Jean Page, who exited the period drama after its first season. Boyega is best known to Star Wars aficionados in the role of Finn in three installments of the Sci-Fi series: 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2017's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Bridgerton tells the story of the children of the Bridgerton family: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. Lady Whistledown serves as a narrator for the first four books and, in the Netflix series, serves as a writer of a newsletter where society gossip is exposed. The stories are set between 1813 and 1827 during the Regency period in England. The series was a massive hit for Netflix during its first season, catching the attention of a large audience and some celebrity fans, like Boyega.
When asked which role he wished Hollywood would cast him in, he revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was interested in being a part of the surprise Netflix smash, which was renewed for a second season and recently began filming. You can read his full quote below:
“I’m trying to get that Bridgerton money man. I need to wear them skin tights, I need to be the new guy up in there. Give me a horse and a lovely maiden and all of that."
Bridgerton will move forward without the character of Simon (Page), who, along with Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne, were the central focus of the show's first season. Their unlikely story came to an end with their surprise marriage, the reveal of some tragic secrets, and finally, the birth of their first child, a son. The second season of the series would focus on Lord Anthony Bridgerton's (Jonathan Bailey)’s quest to find a Viscountess. The Netflix period drama will continue to follow the Bridgerton series of books in the telling of each story, which numbers eight in total.
Boyega would bring a strong persona to the uppity Bridgerton clan and a foil for some of the stronger male characters of the Regency period drama. While there have been no official talks for the actor to take on a role in the Netflix series, his could be a one-season role like Page. Earlier this year, Boyega said being in a big franchise is a luxury jail for an actor when you want to do something else. A long-standing Bridgerton gig may not be his proverbial cup of tea, but making a brief but impactful mark on the series may be something he could consider.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter