John Boyega on ‘Star Wars,’ Luke Skywalker, and Jedi status

Written and produced by Brian Prowse-Gany

It’s being called the most anticipated film of all time. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is set to break box office records around the globe, all the while whisking generations of fans back to that imaginary place from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

With J. J. Abrams now grabbing the wheel from “Star Wars” architect George Lucas, Episode VII will bring back the old in the form of returning cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill … while introducing us to a brand new cast of characters, including the lightsaber-wielding Finn, played by relative newcomer John Boyega.

At just 23, Boyega seems to be taking things in stride while he is poised to become one of the most recognizable faces in the world of blockbuster films. Raised in London by a family with Nigerian roots, Boyega first popped onto the scene in the 2011 camp-cult comedy “Attack The Block.” It was apparently this film that put him on Abrams’ radar, and just a couple of years later he would cast Boyega as a lead in the biggest film franchise of all time. Boyega, a lifelong fan of “Star Wars” films, couldn’t believe his luck.

With just days until “The Force Awakens” hits screens around the world, John promises us we will not be disappointed. Fresh from seeing the film for the first time himself, John met Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric to discuss what to expect, how these films mix the new and old, and why “The Force Awakens” will cater to classic “Star Wars” fans and a new generation of enthusiasts.

Walking through the display of historic costumes of the franchise’s legacy at the Discovery: Times Square’s “Star Wars and The Power of Costume” exhibition, Katie presses John on some of the things we are DYING to know … such as: Why is Finn holding a lightsaber? Will he return in further sequels? And where is the original hero himself, Luke Skywalker, who is suspiciously absent from the film’s trailers?

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is in theaters Dec. 18, 2015.

The “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” exhibit is appearing now at Discovery: Times Square.

View the Slideshow: “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” exhibition