Actor John Boyega decided to ditch the traditional tux for the European premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and instead wear something to represent his roots.
The 27-year-old, who was born to British Nigerian parents, donned a blue agbada with gold detailing along with a blue fila — a traditional Yoruba cap, reports Yahoo. Agbadas are traditionally worn by West African men during formal events.
His family was also in attendance and walked the carpet alongside Boyega, wearing traditional Nigerian clothing in the same hues.
The ensemble was created by Boyega’s fashion designer sister, Grace Boyega.
“I’m grateful that my brother entrusted me to execute his vision for the premiere. I knew I was the right person to do it as I’ve always had a passion for fashion,” she told PEOPLE. “I’ve learned from building my own brand that I had it in the bag.”
She was also excited her family was able to celebrate their heritage while walking the carpet.
“We love being Nigerian! This was an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m just happy my hard work paid off,” she added.
The actor, who plays Finn in the trilogy, took to Instagram to show off his and his family’s sharp looks.
Fans of the Peckham, South London-born star applauded him for his outfit choice and decision to go against the grain.
John Boyega and his family attend the European premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ in traditional clothing ???? pic.twitter.com/GqwtICJq46
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) December 18, 2019
.@JohnBoyega brought out the agbada to the London premiere?? For a Nigerian kid raised on Star Wars, this means everything to me. Representation matters. Thank you ????????#TheRiseOfSkywalker
#StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker
pic.twitter.com/UhxXv9qBzn— Daniel | ???????????? (@dmusa24) December 19, 2019
Boyega was recently criticized for making comments regarding cyberbullying which fans of the George Lucas film thought were aimed at his costar Kelly Marie Tran.
Tran, who plays Rose Tico in the Star Wars film, deleted her social media accounts after being the victim of sexist and racist comments, reports Page Six.
Not letting the trolls win, Tran published an essay in The New York Times discussing how those comments made her feel and what they taught her.
“Their words seemed to confirm what growing up as a woman and a person of colour already taught me: that I belonged in margins and spaces, valid only as a minor character in their lives and stories,” she wrote.
Boyega sat down with Variety earlier this month and discussed being in the Star Wars fandom.
“Being in this position, you just understand the masses, how the masses think, you know. Through social media, we get to engage, we get to have fun,” Boyega said. “But at the same time, for those who are not mentally strong, you are weak to believe in every single thing that you read. That’s, you know, it is what it is.”
Fans of the famous franchise believed Boyega was referencing Tran in his interview, but he assured them he wasn’t.
In no way was I referring to Kelly when I made my comments although the interviewer mentioned her given the topic. I was really speaking from my own perspective throughout this franchise. Sometimes I’ve felt strong and sometimes I’ve felt weak. Badly worded though. I apologize.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) December 12, 2019
My comments on Kelly specifically and online harassment remains the same via a tweet I put out a few years ago.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) December 12, 2019
Back in 2018, Boyega stood up for his co-star, telling the audience they aren’t entitled to politeness when they are being rude to the actors.
If you don’t like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/ actresses will do nothing. You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket! ????????♂️
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 12, 2018
The two seem to be on good terms and have been photographed together laughing during the press tour for their new movie.
