John Boyega Calls Out Racist Backlash From 'Star Wars' Fans

Jenna Bush Hager was actually in the United Kingdom to interview the now Queen Consort, Camilla, before the death of Queen Elizabeth.

A change in plans. Duchess Camilla pulled out of an interview with Today‘s Jenna Bush Hager hours before Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96.

Star Wars series The Acolyte.The British actor, known for roles in Queen & Slim and 2021’s Without Remorse, is finalising a deal to star in the Disney+ series, according to Deadline.The only confirmed cast member is Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games, Dear Evan Hansen), whose involvement in the series was announced in July this year.This comes ahead of Disney’s annual D23 fan event, which features a Lucasfilm presentation this Saturday (September 10) alongside other announcements from Marvel and 20th Century Studios.Join us in welcoming Amandla Stenberg to the the Star Wars galaxy. #TheAcolyte https://t.co/PhriTUdZcv pic.twitter.com/LJp9LeZQik— Star Wars | Andor Premieres Sept 21 on Disney+ (@starwars) July 22, 2022The Acolyte, led by Russian Doll co-creator Leslye Headland, is described as a mystery-thriller set in the final days of the High Republic era – a period set roughly 200 years before events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.A synopsis reads: “The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take the audience into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.”The show is expected to begin production in London later this year.Turner-Smith’s next film is director Noah Baumbach’s White Noise, where she stars alongside Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Raffey Cassidy and Don Cheadle.

Hoda Kotb is incredibly close to her Today co-stars and is always one of the first to be their cheerleader both on the show and outside of it.MORE: Hoda Kotb's stand-in host revealed as star takes time off TodayThe mother-of-two - who has been taking some much-deserved time off over a lot of the summer to be with her family - always likes to remark on her famous friends' success on social media.The star earlier in the year was particularly proud of her co-star Jenna Bush Hager - and didn't hold back on her pride either! The NBC host shared a snapshot back in April when Jenna embarked on her book tour with her sister Barbara Bush - as they went around the country promoting their children's book, The Superpower Sisterhood. VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb host New Year's Eve SpecialJenna and Barbara left in April for a nine-date book tour to promote their book, and Hoda couldn't have been more proud.MORE: Hoda Kotb delights fans with heartfelt tribute to rarely seen family member in new photoMORE: Today's Hoda Kotb's difficult career goodbye revealed"So proud of you @jennabhager and barbara! This book is top of our reading list!!!!" she wrote alongside a picture posted on her Instagram account, inspiring many fans to send heart emojis and messages of support as well."Incredible women doing incredible things," one wrote, with another saying: "Y'all are amazing!!!" A third even added: "Love how Hoda and Jenna support each other."A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb)Hoda showed her support for Jenna as she continued on her book tourHoda and Jenna have been hosting the Fourth Hour together since 2019, after Jenna took over from Kathie Lee Gifford following her retirement.MORE: Hoda Kotb leaves Today co-star lost for

John Boyega would be '"very surprised" to see a black James Bond. The 30-year-old actor was asked if he would ever consider taking on the role of the 007 spy in the legendary movie franchise - which has so far only been played by white men such as the late Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore as well as Daniel Craig throughout its 60-year history - but "doesn't believe" that producers will ever cast a black man in the part. Speaking on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, he told host Josh Horowitz: "I’m sorry but I’m black – I don’t know how.

Zack Sharf For many “Star Wars” fans, John Boyega included, the axed “Duel of the Fates” movie will forever be the best “Star Wars” film never made. “Duel of the Fates” was the original script written for Episode IX, which was to be directed by “Jurassic World” filmmaker Colin Trevorrow. When he exited the project over creative differences, Lucasfilm brought in “The Force Awakens” helmer J.J. Abrams to finish the trilogy with an overhauled script that would become “The Rise of Skywalker.” The “Duel of the Fates” script leaked online in January 2020, revealing a far different film than what Abrams crafted with the polarizing “The Rise of Skywalker” (there was no Palpatine, for starters). Whereas Abrams was widely panned for sidelining characters like John Boyega’s Finn and Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose, Trevorrow’s script gave these characters their own adventure as the two set out to lead a Stormtrooper rebellion against the First Order. This storyline brought Finn’s arc full circle, as he started out in “The Force Awakens” as a defected Stormtrooper.

If you’re a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise, it’s sad to see how the sequel trilogy ended with a thud instead of the bang it deserves. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” was meant to be this celebratory ending that would make fans cheer and bring to a close a series of films dating back decades.

John Boyega, who was the actor behind the ex-Stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter Finn, has made it known to everyone that his time making the Star Wars sequels was not a good one. Even though Boyega had such a negative experience he is still a big Star Wars fan and keeps up with all the latest projects, most recently talking about the Obi-Wan Kenobi show that streamed on Disney Plus. One of the biggest problems John Boyega had was the lack of meaningful representation throughout the trilogy.

“The Patient,” Gleeson responded enthusiastically, “Of course I would! He was really interesting, and I think there’s a lot I could do more [with him].”However, he continued, “I don’t see them making the call. I’m not sure anybody’s clamoring for a Hux sequel or prequel.

Jenna Bush Hager and her co-star Hoda Kotb love to have fun on their usual segment of Fourth Hour of Today, also called Today with Hoda and Jenna.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager shares glimpses of family vacationThe two of them often dive into some conversations that could be divisive to fans and sometimes, they dive into ones they can't help but relate with.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager 'hustled' to get to Hoda Kotb after emotional Today episodeOn occasion, however, the odd surprising claim will be made that takes fans aback at first and then eventually makes the most sense.Such a conversation happened in a recent episode of the show, where Jenna made an odd comparison for Hoda, but eventually proved her point excellently.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager shocks fans as she reveals different side to husband Henry with hilarious storyShe started off by saying: "Hoda is the most disciplined," then going on to compare the mother-of-two to a dad, which Hoda couldn't help but chuckle to.Specifically, she mentioned that her co-star reminded her of her own dad, former President George W. Bush.

Jenna Bush Hager has been enjoying her time off Today as she gets to spend a precious few moments with her family before summer ends.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager shocks fans as she reveals different side to husband Henry with hilarious storyThe TV star shared a glimpse into her vacation with them, also including her sister Barbara Bush and her family.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager reunites with daughter MilaThe group jetted off to Maine to frolic around in the water and spend a few days among nature, with her kids Poppy, Mila, and Hal making the best of their time while also doting over baby cousin Cora."Magical Maine," Jenna titled her photo compilation, and her fans loved the peek at her family life and began immediately gushing over her kids in particular.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager stuns in swimwear in beach photos with twin sister Barbara"SO MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT THIS," one wrote, with another commenting: "Beautiful, I just love the photo of the girls walking in the flowers."A third added: "Maine is so beautiful!! Pretty pics!!" with a fourth also saying: "You and Barbara have beautiful children! Your parents are very blessed."A post shared by Jenna Bush Hager (@jennabhager)Jenna provided a peek at her family vacationDuring her break, Jenna had a lot to celebrate and be thankful for, and one of them was the adorable milestone she reached with son Hal, who turned three.She commemorated the toddler's special day with a slew of never-before-seen pictures of him alongside his family, and they seriously were as sweet and cute as it could get.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager congratulated as she delivers details of exciting new TV projectMORE: Today's Justin Sylvester opens up about working with Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda KotbThe adorable photos

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter If three new movies debut in theaters, but nobody goes to see them… That is how Sony’s creepy thriller “The Invitation” managed to top box office charts with a paltry $7 million. Its win comes with some pretty weak bragging rights; it’s the lowest first-place finish since May 2021, when COVID was keeping people at home. Now, it’s not the pandemic that’s preventing audiences from going to theaters, it’s the lack of appealing options. Overall, the domestic box office generated just $54 million over the weekend, the worst collective result in months. And the bad times are expected to continue until at least late September or early October, when “Don’t Worry Darling” (Sept. 23), “Halloween Ends” (Oct. 14) and the comic book adaptation “Black Adam” (Oct. 21) open in theaters. It’s a disappointing finale to an otherwise strong summer at the movies, which fielded plenty of box office hits including “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Elvis.”

J. Kim Murphy In a summer that’s often seen only one new wide release in a weekend, a whopping three new films hit theaters on Friday: Sony’s horror-thriller “The Invitation,” George Miller’s “Three Thousand Years of Longing” and bank heist movie “Breaking,” starring John Boyega. However, none of them seem to be making much of an impact, as the total box office projects a sum in the $50 million to $60 million range. That wouldn’t just be the worst weekend of the summer, but also the worst since February. “The Invitation” is tracking ahead of the other two, as it looks to claim the weekend’s top spot with a meagre $6 million to $7 million gross from 3,114 locations in its opening. Critics didn’t really care for the movie — it landed a 40% approval rating from review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes — and audiences were perhaps more unenthused. The film holds a “C” grade from research firm Cinema Score, indicating a rather snoozy reception from general consumers.

In December 2019, “The Rise Of Skywalker” wrapped up the latest “Star Wars” trilogy, and the fan and critical response was, at best, an exasperated shrug. After Rian Johnson‘s iconoclastic take on the galaxy far, far away with “The Last Jedi,” J.J.

Jenna Bush Hager is proving nothing is off limits, even if it means exposing her husband!MORE: Jenna Bush Hager stuns in swimwear in beach photos with twin sister BarbaraThe star wasn't afraid of throwing her husband Henry Hager under the bus, when playing the classic sleepover game with her co-star Hoda Kotb on 4th Hour with Hoda and Jenna.As the two co-hosts were discussing sneaky behavior, home etiquette, and messy accidents in other people's homes, the mom-of-three outed her husband as the culprit of some serious damage.WATCH: Jenna opens up about body imageMORE: Jenna Bush Hager congratulated as she delivers details of exciting new TV projectThe initial prompt was: "Never have I ever spilled something on someone's carpet and pretended nothing happened."Hoda didn't hold back and immediately said she unfortunately had, to which Jenna joked: "Well, I have never, because it's been real obvious."However, she didn't stop there, doubling down on the confessions to reveal an accident that Henry had which was much worse than any wine or cocktail spillage on a carpet.A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)The hilarious storyShe admitted: "One time Henry was dancing on Barbara's coffee table…" recalling an event at her twin sister's home.MORE: Today's Justin Sylvester opens up about working with Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda KotbMORE: Jenna Bush Hager's life-changing move could be delayed for surprising reasonHer co-star interrupted her, foreshadowing the outcome, and joked: "Oh, no.

The actor who played "Finn" in Disney's "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, John Boyega, says he's ready to move on from the franchise.  Currently, Boyega is set to star in the upcoming films "The Woman King" and "Breaking."  "At this point I’m cool off it. I’m good off it," Boyega said on the SiriusXM show "Tell Me Everything With John Fugelsang."  "I think Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things, the games, the animation. But I feel like ‘[Episode] VII’ to ‘[Episode] IX’ was good for me," he added.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor John Boyega has never shied away from speaking out about the racist bullying he received for his work as Finn in the “Star Wars” franchise. Things got so bad, he convened a meeting with Disney and Lucasfilm execs to express his disappointment in their lack of support during the targeted attacks. While Boyega has now said he has no plans to return to “Star Wars,” he’s proud of “Obi-Wan” star Ewan McGregor coming to his co-star Moses Ingram’s defense after she became the target of online hate when their series premiered on Disney+ in May. “I don’t know how Disney have done, and I don’t know how they’ve moved with everything,” Boyega tells me on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “All I know is about specifically Lucasfilm, about the Obi-Wan Kenobi stuff. And I saw that Ewan McGregor video. And that kind of got me, that was nice. That got me a little emotional on that. That’s cool that he showed up for her like that. That’s cool.”

John Boyega may not be returning to the world of  but he still appreciates seeing the franchise take a step toward changing for the better. During an appearance on SiriusXM’s , Boyega praised studios Disney and Lucasfilm for their timely response to the fan harassment of  star Moses Ingram.Speaking with Fugelsang, the Breaking actor said he didn't feel any bitterness comparing the difference in how the studios' responded to the racism he faced while staring in the sequel series.«That's how it goes, man,» he said, acknowledging how his experience made Disney and Lucasfilm reevaluate how they handle fan harassment. «I felt Moses Ingram being protected makes me feel protected.