John Boyega to star in Kathryn Bigelow’s film about the 1967 Detroit riots

John Boyega has cemented his A-list status by landing a role in Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow’s new film.

The Peckham-born actor, who is currently shooting scenes for the new Star Wars film, has announced that he’s teaming up with Bigelow on her new project, about the 1967 Detroit riots.

Revealing the news in an Instagram post, he wrote: “I've teamed up with Kathryn Bigelow for a movie based on the Detroit riots in 1967.

“Kathryn's talent is undeniable and I'm really looking forward to collaborating with her on such an important story.”

The untitled project will be Bigelow’s follow-up to 2012’s Dark Zero Thirty, chronicling the five-day riots that took place following a police raid on an unlicensed bar, sparking one of the deadliest and longest riots in US history.

Boyega’s role in the film is yet to be confirmed although his is rumoured to be starring alongside fellow Brit Hannah Murray.

The 24-year-old is on a roll since his starring turn in The Force Awakens last year and has already landed a number of high profile parts.

Boyega has already signed up to star in the sequel to Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim, which is due to start shooting later this year.

He will also star in the forthcoming The Circle, alongside Emma Watson, Tom Hanks and Karen Gillan, as well as making his West End debut in Woyzeck.

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