Breaking has finally hit theaters this weekend. The cast filled with John Boyega, Michael K. Williams, Nicole Beharie, and Selenis Leyva tells the story of a Marine war veteran facing mental and emotional challenges. Brian Brown Easley, played by Boyega, takes matters into his own hands when he tries to reintegrate into society. First, however, Easley has to make the hard choices that might cost him his life.
For part two of our two-part featurette on the film, we got to talk to Boyega about attracting him to the project and working with the outstanding actor Michael K. Williams.
What was the one thing in the script of Breaking that stood out to you that made you think, “I have to do this project?”
Jon Boyega: It was the dialogue. It was when he [Brian Brown-Easley] said, “Is there anyone out back?” [Estel] Valerie says, “No.” And he says, “Well, go lock the front and back doors. Do it now.” I don’t know. When I read that, there’s something quite interesting and intriguing knowing that this is a soft-spoken vet. Or someone who’s come home and is trying to figure out his situation as he gets back into society. It was something that just jumped off the page for me.
What was the most challenging scene for you to do emotionally?
Jon Boyega: I think it would be moments where Brian– he’s been quite extroverted, where there was continuous shouting. Physically I think you’re trying to emote the right emotion and intensity. Still, also, at the same time, it’s just strenuous on your body. Apart from that, I feel I was well supported throughout the whole process, particularly by my costars.
Speaking of that support, Michael K. Williams is in this movie. You do a lot of dialogue exchange through the phone. Did you and he work together beforehand to get what the scene is gonna convey?
Jon Boyega: We definitely worked with each other and spoke a bit before we got into the lab. And then on set, while I’d be on the phone, Michael would actually still come in to do off lines on set. So he would be there live just to bring the same kind of intimacy and emotional quality to all the scenes we’re doing. So he came in; everybody had to hide behind the camera or find a way to be. And then we go on that phone, and we still performed.
Being a Star Wars and Marvel fan, I had to ask Boyega if he will find himself a home at Marvel Studios in the near future.
So my last question is, you say you’re done with Star Wars. You’re not interested in doing anything with Marvel, but is there something that Marvel could approach you with? Say, “Hey, you wanna do this character? Or you wanna do this story,” that would make you change your mind on that?
Jon Boyega: No, I’m okay. I think experiencing the creme de la creme of franchises and the franchise I’d been a fan of for a long time is definitely, the height of what you can experience with that. And right now, I would just like to explore more things that are more beneficial for my skill and then more beneficial for my career in that way as an individual.
Breaking is now in theaters, and we highly recommend that you check it out.