John Boyega is slated to take on both acting and executive production duties in the upcoming TV prequel series, “The Book of Eli,” which is based on the 2010 post-apocalyptic action drama of the same title.
According to Deadline, Boyega will portray a younger version of Denzel Washington’s character, the central figure in the original film. Gary Whitta, the screenwriter of the movie, is the creative force behind the series and is set to write as well as executive produce it.
The 2010 film revolves around Eli, a wandering individual tasked with delivering a mysterious book across a post-apocalyptic America. Directed by the Hughes brothers, the movie boasts a cast that includes Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, and Michael Gambon.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, it achieved moderate success at the box office, earning $157 million against an $80 million budget. Denzel Washington’s performance garnered praise from many critics.
Deadline’s report reveals that the TV series will unfold 30 years before the events depicted in the film, placing it during or shortly after the nuclear catastrophe. The production is expected to be pitched to streaming platforms later this year, with no additional details about the series currently disclosed.
John Boyega, recognized for his portrayal of Finn in the Star Wars franchise, which includes “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” has also been honored with a Golden Globe for his role in Steve McQueen’s anthology series, “Small Axe.”
He has further expanded his acting portfolio with roles in projects such as “The Woman King,” “Breaking,” and Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone.”
