John Boyega is set to star in The Freshening, a science fiction romance set to be directed by Birds Of Prey helmer Cathy Yan.

Inspired by a short story by Rachel Khong, The Freshening is, as Deadline describes it, “set in a near future where tensions over race and gender have reached a violent extreme and the U.S. government institutes a public health initiative known as The Freshening: every American receives an injection, after which everyone only sees others as the same race and gender as themselves.”

Boyega is set to play the character of Reese, who must decide whether or not to disrupt the status quo of his world when a new street drug arrives on the scene

The Freshening will be produced by Yan and Ash Sarohi for Rewild, FilmNation Entertainment, Ali Wong, Hyperobject Industries’ Adam McKay and Betsy Koch.

“We are tremendously excited to have John bring this complex character and story to life and can’t wait to begin filming with this incredible group of like-minded creatives,” the producers said in a statement. 

Of course, this is not Boyega’s first foray into science fiction. The actor garnered a following with his breakthrough role in the 2011 British sci-fi film Attack The Block, as well as his role as Finn in the Star Wars franchise.  Boyega is also set to star alongside Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx in the upcoming sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone. 

“It’s a dream to work with John Boyega, a singular talent whose commitment to his craft and willingness to take risks have delivered such memorable, wide-ranging performances,” Yan said. “I know he’ll bring incredible depth and nuance to Reese. I’m thrilled he’s on for this wild ride.”