Actor John Boyega wanted to challenge self with ‘Detroit’

DETROIT – John Boyega says his new movie, “Detroit,” may be set a half-century ago, but it explores issues that remain relevant.

In an interview Monday with The Associated Press, the London-born actor says the upcoming film about the 1967 riot features “stories that reflect until today – especially police brutality.”

Boyega says he “wanted to challenge” himself by taking on the role of a security guard caught up in the events surrounding the uprising.

Directed by Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow, “Detroit” opens Aug. 4, and also stars Anthony Mackie and John Krasinski.

Boyega has another high-profile film coming out this year. The eighth installment of the “Star Wars” saga, “The Last Jedi” will be out in December. Boyega reprises his role of Finn from 2016’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”