Pacific Rim only earned $411 million back in 2013, so a sequel to the Guillermo del Toro helmed movie has been in doubt ever since. There has however been a little more movement over the past year or so, especially after Daredevil’s Steven S. DeKnight signed up to direct. Now, the movie has its first major casting addition in the form of John Boyega!

The Star Wars actor is set to play the son of the character portrayed by Idris Elba in the first movie, and production is expected to begin nearer the end of the year (Boyega will have to be quick to squeeze the Pacific Rim sequel in between shooting Episode VIII and Episode IX).

“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox,” Del Toro said in a statement announcing the news earlier today. “The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”

Boyega will next be seen alongside Tom Hanks and Emma Watson in The Circle, while he also recently landed a role in the BBC’s remake of Watership Down. Taking on a leading role like this is going to be a big deal for the actor and a test of ability to draw at the box office.