Yesterday afternoon, J.J. Abrams announced that Star Wars: Episode IX had officially wrapped photography after more than six months on set. For fans, the news brings us that much closer to seeing the final film of the new trilogy this December. To the cast, it’s the end of an era.
For Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, especially, joining Star Wars has defined their early acting careers and turned their worlds completely upside-down. It’s then no surprise that they’re exchanging wrap gifts to celebrate the over five years they’ve spent as co-stars. Check out Daisy’s gift to John, via his Instagram story:
Do you recognize it? The thoughtful gift is a OSCORP Industries vial from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. The 2014 superhero flick isn’t exactly a mainstream favorite, but Boyega’s emoji choices indicate the gift struck an emotional chord with the actor.
While John Boyega has not officially joined the MCU, he has been rumored to be in discussion to join the universe for years. Back in 2015, he showed his interest in playing Spider-Man especially, Miles Morales perhaps? He also showed his interest in playing Black Panther before Chadwick Boseman was cast.
The actor even had talks with Marvel Studios last year, and now that Star Wars will soon be off his plate, maybe he will have a new home in the MCU? Additionally, John Boyega has kindled a friendship with Robert Downey Jr., previously looking to him for advice on navigating the crazy life of being in the Hollywood spotlight. So through a little networking, it’s definitely possible he could star in a Marvel film. (If not the MCU, maybe he could find his way into Sony's Marvel Universe.)
Besides the Amazing Spider-Man gift from Daisy Ridley, the actor also shared another geeky gift, presumably from the President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy. Take a look:
In a beautiful wooden box with the Resistance logo marked, John Boyega seems to have scored an EL-16 blaster, which his character Finn uses throughout the new Star Wars trilogy. Anyone else getting emotional about this yet? It’s hard to believe John Boyega’s time as Finn has come to a close, especially when we as moviegoers have not yet said goodbye to his character.
The actor also took to Twitter to pen some touching words about closing the book on his time on Star Wars. Here’s how he put it:
I’m not crying, you’re crying! The sweet picture shows the main trio of Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), and Oscar Isaac (Poe) sharing an embrace; director J.J. Abrams also shared the same perfect photo to commemorate the end of an era. The movies have certainly changed these three actors' lives and given fans new and interesting characters to follow through the galaxy of Star Wars. Episode 9 hits theaters on December 20, 2019.
