Image Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Before he was known as Finn from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, London-born actor John Boyega starred in a Getty Images photoshoot, with the then-teenager appearing in a series of stock images.
After students in the University of Nebraska in Lincoln noticed images from the photoshoot popping up around the building, photographer Chris Schmidt confirmed on Facebook that “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”, he did indeed take snapshots of the future ex-Stormtrooper.
Boyega himself later confirmed that he’d taken part in the photoshoot, saying that he’d used the money he earned to buy “new trainers“, and his Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) to get him through drama school.
I did use my ema back then for drama school the Air Force 1s lasted about 3 years looooool
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) January 8, 2016
The series of photos feature Boyega typing away on a keyboard among his fellow “students”, who each look baffled by the concept of a computer.
He also sits on a park bench, smiling, blissfully unaware of his future in the First Order.
Here is smiling, perhaps thinking of a future spent with Poe Dameron.
Boyega has become a popular figure since the release of The Force Awakens, having come across as a likable personality in his media appearances for the movie which have mostly revolved around his (somewhat unreciprocated) friendship with Harrison Ford.
The actor will reprise his role as Finn in 2017’s Episode VIII, with him also set to star alongside Emma Watson and Tom Hanks in this year’s The Circle.
