John Boyega stars in Red, White, and Blue, the latest film in Steve McQueen's Small Axe series. And while the film may mark a clear departure for Boyega from his previous performances in the Star Wars franchise, the 28-year-old actor can surely still laugh about his time as Finn.

Red, White, and Blue tells the true story of Leroy Logan (Boyega), who decided to join the Metropolitan Police and combat the department's institutional racism from within. The film marks a major turning point for Boyega's career, as it is his first onscreen appearance since The Rise of Skywalker. In the year since The Rise of Skywalker left theaters, Boyega has garnered attention as a political activist, speaking out in support of Black Lives Matter and joining protestors in London's Hyde Park. Red, White, and Blue seems to resonate with present-day racial tensions in unique and significant ways, so Boyega's involvement should be an exciting opportunity for the actor and his fans.

Related: Stars Wars: The Actors Who Almost Played Finn

In the film, when Logan mentions that he wants to join "the force," his friend responds: "what, like a Jedi?" The moment is an obvious nod to Boyega's previous work as Finn in the Disney Star Wars sequel films. Finn may not have been a Jedi himself, but he was confirmed to be Force Sensitive by the end of the trilogy. Of course, Boyega has gone on the record taking issue with how both he and his Star Wars character Finn were treated by Disney, so this "joke" in Red, White, and Blue may not just be for laughs.

On one hand, the reference to Jedis is a play on Logan's use of the word "force." On the other hand, the mixup speaks to how a lot of people perceive the police. Officers of the law are often depicted in media as heroic, protective types, much like Jedi Knights in the Star Wars universe. Of course, several real-life events have demonstrated the insidious role that racism continues to play within the institution of law enforcement. McQueen dedicated his first film in the Small Axe anthology — Mangrove — to unpacking all the ways that the legal system may be stacked against people of color. The film ultimately fared better than Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7 in highlighting issues of systemic racism. It therefore wouldn't be surprising if the "Jedi" joke in the third Small Axe film is an attempt to make a pointed argument about how everyday citizens view police officers. This interpretation also makes sense when one considers that The Rise of Skywalker director J.J. Abrams was accused of focusing too much on the Skywalkers, glorifying them as Jedis and reducing characters like Han Solo to mere accessories.

Regardless of the true intention behind the "Jedi" joke in Small Axe,  the anthology continues to be one of the most entertaining and impactful series available. And with a rising  star like Boyega now on board, its impact will surely continue to grow.

Next: Mangrove Cast, Character & Real-Life Comparison Guide