No doubt one of the most exciting things about Star Wars: The Force Awakens is John Boyega, a talented young British actor who made a real impact in Attack the Block and 24: Live Another Day. He plays Finn in the movie, a member of The First Order who ends up abandoning his post to join up with Rey (Daisy Ridley) and fight alongside The Resistance.

When GQ caught up with Boyega recently, he talked openly about landing the role in the J.J. Abrams helmed movie, revealing that he went through seven months of auditions before being chosen to play Finn. “When I read the script I cried, and I’m not really a big crier… I’m more like a frog-in-the- throat kind of guy, who’ll try to hold it in and make sure I don’t let it all out.” It Star Wars: The Force Awakens that great, or is someone not making it out alive?!

Whatever the answer, the actor is clearly passionate about this role in the movie, and teased Finn’s arc from Stormtrooper to hero. “Finn is dope. His story is so epic. It’s a story that’s never been seen before, but it also mirrors the stories of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. And he’s quirky and charismatic and funny. For me, he was the best character in the script.”

While Finn has been spotted wielding a lightsaber in both a TV spot and poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, whether or not he’s actually a Jedi has become a hot topic of debate among fans. Some believe he will be, while many think it’s misdirection (even Han once used a lightsaber) and Rey will actually be the one to have some sort of connection to The Force.

Boyega wouldn’t shed any light on that, but said: “They’re heavy, those things, and there’s a lot of running involved. I was trained on a high incline treadmill so when it came to it I could sprint around the desert in a leather jacket. They should do a Star Wars weight loss program.” Don’t forget to check out the greatest Star Wars Easter Eggs by clicking here!