The Force Awakens star John Boyega lands lead in 'Pacific Rim' Sequel

John Boyega has landed the leading role in the second installment of the Pacific Rim franchise, according to Deadline.

The 24-year-old Nigerian-born british actor will portray the son of Idris Elba, who played the role of Stacker Pentecost in the 2013 film.

''I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job,” the director of the first film, Guillermo del Toro, said in a statement.