Why Star Wars' John Boyega Has A Problem With Game Of Thrones

john boyega star wars

If one day the stars align and a Star Wars actor finds their way into Game Of Thrones, it doesn't sound like that actor is going to be John Boyega. The actor has a problem with HBO's hit show, and it has nothing to do with how the series is affecting the porn industry. Boyega shares his problem in the quote below:

There are no black people on Game of Thrones.

Well, only a Sith deals in absolutes, so John Boyega was likely being hyperbolic in stating there are no black people on Game Of Thrones. There are indeed some black actors and actresses within the series, but very few and far between, so the point Boyega is making is made all the same. Boyega's criticism wasn't limited to just Game Of Thrones either, as the actor also mentioned the lack of black representation in The Lord Of The Rings, which is almost exclusively a cast of white performers.

While John Boyega may have a legitimate ax to grind specifically against Game Of Thrones, his statement to GQ seemed more to single it out in a broader discussion regarding the current state of media in regards to race, as well as the response of a population of the world after his initial debut as the panicked stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens' trailer. Overall, Boyega seems to be upset with the general lack of black representation in media in general. The actor goes further in the statement below:

I ain't paying money to always see one type of person on-screen. Because you see different people from different backgrounds, different cultures, every day. Even if you're a racist, you have to live with that. We can ruffle up some feathers.

Considering the backlash that was thrown his way from groups following his casting in Star Wars, it's understandable why John Boyega wants to push for more cultural inclusion in film. Unfortunately he might see some more hate thrown his way after this headline circles the web, but hopefully Game Of Thrones fans understand the point he is trying to make. Then again, Game Of Thrones fans were brutal enough to push Ed Sheeran off Twitter for a hot minute, so who knows what they're capable of.

Game Of Thrones is all new this Sunday, July 23rd at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. For more on Boyega, be sure to check out the advice he got from Robert Downey Jr. regarding Hollywood or some of the odd stuff he purchased with his Star Wars money. Those looking for more Game Of Thrones info should read up on the weird detail regarding Sansa that has us worried about Jon Snow. For all other information regarding summer shows, be sure to visit our summer premiere guide.

Mick Joest
Content Producer

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.