Boyega Remembers Star Wars Journey Amidst Lloyd’s Mental Health Recovery

LOS ANGELES, CA — John Boyega‘s journey in the Star Wars universe began with excitement and wonderment as he portrayed Finn in the iconic franchise. Reflecting on his experience, Boyega recalls the surreal moments of arriving on set, particularly the thrill of exploring the Millennium Falcon alongside legends Han Solo and Chewbacca.

“When I saw the first trailer for Episode VII – The Force Awakens, I was overwhelmed,” Boyega stated. “Seeing myself with the Skywalker lightsaber made it all feel real.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he shared how that moment felt like a dream come true, a feeling echoed by countless fans worldwide who share his passion for the beloved series.

In a twist of fate, another Star Wars actor, Jake Lloyd, who played Anakin Skywalker in Episode I – The Phantom Menace, faced a vastly different path following his debut. Despite facing harsh criticism and public scrutiny, Lloyd’s struggles stemmed from deeper issues, his mother, Lisa, revealed. She disclosed that Jake was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a condition influenced by his family history.

“He was always going to deal with this mental illness,” Lisa said. “I tried to shield him from as much negativity as possible.” After Ash’s sister passed away tragically in 2018 and following an 18-month stay in a mental health facility, Lloyd is reportedly on the mend, now residing in a rehabilitation center.

“Jake still loves Star Wars,” his mother shared, “He enjoys playing video games and catching up with the series.” Lloyd reflected on his experiences at fan conventions, stating, “The interactions I have with fans are restorative and therapeutic.”

Meanwhile, the essence of Star Wars continues to thrive, with creator George Lucas occasionally visiting the set as new stories unfold. During one such visit, Lucas was seen happily holding the Grogu animatronic, a nod to the franchise’s ability to evoke nostalgia and joy among its creators and fans alike.

As the Star Wars saga evolves, it remains a topic of discussion and admiration for old and new fans alike, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the franchise that began decades ago. Boyega and Lloyd’s experiences reflect the multifaceted journey of actors within this universe, highlighting how personal struggles can intertwine with public adoration and engagement.