Before he became synonymous with the Star Wars franchise, John Boyega was just another rising star looking for his big break. In a twist of fate, Boyega narrowly edged out notable actors, including Michael B. Jordan and Tom Holland, for this coveted role. Both Marvel Cinematic Universe stars tried for the role of Finn, the Stormtrooper, and surprisingly saw their auditions fall short in their quest to join the iconic saga with its famous galaxy far, far away.
The casting for Star Wars has long been considered a challenging endeavor. Despite stellar performances elsewhere, Michael B. Jordan, known for his role as Killmonger in Black Panther, openly shared his struggles with this audition process. In a conversation with Variety, he described this attempt as his “worst audition” experience.
Reflecting on the 2015 Star Wars project, The Force Awakens, Michael B. Jordan admitted he failed to impress the casting directors for the role of Finn. He said he found the script too vague, making it hard to connect with the material. “I think it was probably my worst audition to date,” he confessed. “Everything’s like super vague, everything is in secret. Reading through, I just couldn’t connect it. I definitely bombed that one for sure.”
The mystery and secrecy enveloping the Star Wars script can be daunting, especially for newcomers. Michael B. Jordan’s honest revelation resonates with many actors who have faced similar ambiguities in script readings. Meanwhile, Tom Holland, known for his role as Spider-Man, offered a lighter take on his own audition experience.
In an interview with Backstage, Holland recounted how he found it hard to maintain composure while auditioning, especially when faced with the imagined scenario of exchanging dialogue with a drone. “I was like four or five auditions in,” he recalled, “and I think I was auditioning for John Boyega’s role. I remember doing this scene with this lady, bless her, and she was just a drone. I just couldn’t stop laughing. I found it so funny… I obviously didn’t get the part.”
The humor in Holland’s account underscores the unpredictable nature of auditions, and how even seasoned actors can find themselves unprepared for the unspoken challenges. Despite their failure to bag the role of Finn, both actors have since found enviable success in the Marvel universe. Jordan continues to captivate audiences with his portrayal of Killmonger, while Holland has become the fan-favorite Spider-Man.
Ultimately, the role of Finn went to John Boyega, who seized on the opportunity with unwavering focus and intensity. Boyega, known for his craft in Attack the Block, approached this casting call with the determination and conviction akin to a mission from the Jedi Council. His commitment and raw talent stood out, earning him the character of FN-2187, later known as Finn.
This pivotal role in The Force Awakens paved the way for Boyega’s involvement in the entire Star Wars sequel trilogy, appearing in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. He became an enduring part of the franchise, bringing depth and vitality to Finn, the Stormtrooper turned hero.
The journey of Michael B. Jordan and Tom Holland in their attempt for the Star Wars realm reflects how competitive and unpredictable the casting world can be. Their experiences, steeped in challenges and marked by unexpected outcomes, illustrate the rollercoaster journey even established actors face in securing roles.
Boyega’s triumph in securing the role, meanwhile, showcases his resilience and dedication, securing him a legacy in the Star Wars universe. As the trilogy has continued to draw fans worldwide, Boyega’s portrayal of Finn remains a defining chapter in his career, underlining the sometimes serendipitous nature of casting decisions. The Star Wars trilogy continues to be available for streaming on Disney+, keeping the adventures of a galaxy far, far away alive for new and old fans alike.
