Young British-Nigerian actor John Boyega was a complete unknown when director Joe Cornish cast him in his urban sci-fi Attack the Block. His role as unlikely hero Moses, who helps save the world from alien attack, has won him huge popular and critical acclaim, and he will next be seen in Tinge Krishnan’s drama Junkhearts.

What training have you received?
I received training at local youth groups and theatre workshops, most notably Identity Drama School.

What kind of roles attract you?
Roles with depth and roles that stay far away from my personality. I wouldn’t want to be in a film playing myself.

What’s the best advice that you’ve been given as an actor?
Femi Oguns, the founder of Identity Drama School, told me, ‘It’s all about the formula that makes a great career’.

Tell us the most significant moment in your career so far.
Watching myself in Attack the Block on the big screen with my whole family

You’ll die happy when…
I’ll die happy when I’ve completed the task God sent me here to do which is to keep up the hope that our generation of actor will be as good as the last. And when I have my own candy company!
www.attacktheblock.com