John Boyega Fans Praise ‘Star Wars’ Actor’s Emotional Protest Speech: Watch Video

John Boyega is known to many as Finn, the reformed stormtrooper in the latest “Star Wars” trilogy. However, on Wednesday, he made it clear that he’s not just fighting evil a galaxy far, far away. He is fighting racism right where he was raised in England.

Protests for racial equality have been held all over the world in the midst of George Floyd’s murder. Boyega attended a gathering in London’s Hyde Park where he got on a megaphone to give a five-minute speech. The actor, who has vocally supported the Black Lives Matter movement on social media, shared an emotional plea for understanding, peaceful protest and support.

“Black lives have always mattered,” Boyega told the crowd of protesters. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.”

The actor, whose parents immigrated to London from Nigeria, seemed to get tearful as he described the pain of racism.

“I need you to understand how painful this [expletive] is,” he said with emotion clearly heard in his voice. “How painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing. And that isn't the case anymore. That is never the case anymore. We are gonna try today. We are a physical representation for our support for George Floyd. We are a physical representation for our support of Sandra Bland. We are a physical representation for our support of Trayvon Martin. We are a physical representation for our support of Stephen Lawrence, for Mark Duggan.”

The 28-year-old actor noted that he isn’t so sure Hollywood is going to support his social justice efforts. However, he is willing to risk his job.

“I'm speaking to you from my heart,” Boyega said. “Look, I don't know if I'm going to have a career after this, but [expletive] that.”

Fans on Twitter voiced their support for Boyega and emphasized that they certainly hope his career is not affected. They noted their growing respect and admiration for the “Pacific Rim” actor.

The Evening Standard has the full video of Boyega's protest speech. Watch below: