John Boyega Talks Working With Jamie Foxx On ‘They Cloned Tyrone’

"Star Wars" alum John Boyega is opening up on what it was like to work with Jamie Foxx on their new movie, "They Cloned Tyrone."

The movie has been described as an “ode to the Blaxpoloitation films of the 1970s” and featured John Boyega as “the drug dealer” Fontaine and Jamie Foxx as “the pimp” Slick Charles. Teyonah Parris rounds out the cast as the “hooker.”

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, the “Attack the Block” star talked about the “vibe” of his new film and what it was like working with a multi-talent like Jamie Foxx. The new movie features Juel Taylor making his feature directorial debut in a movie that combines elements of horror, sci-fi, mystery, and satire.

"There's something about us being able to be silly about aspects of our culture that makes me laugh," Boyega said. "Blaxploitation films always represented movies that let us express ourselves, and we could just look snazzy and do cool s---. It didn't matter if we knew kung fu. It just all made sense with the music, with the vibes. I'm just proud to at least be a part of something that pays homage to that."

"I loved the concept," he added. "I already had heard about Juel Taylor's mind from behind the scenes. There were rumors of this young director who had a new perspective on entertainment and a new perspective on storytelling."

“The Woman King” actor went on to call the movie “a new vibe entirely,” adding, "I think it's a new creative direction. There's been a lot of talk right now about big studio projects and wanting more nuanced stories, going back to those dramas and comedies that we miss, especially during the heyday of Black cinema. I think this is a cool representation of that, with really funny moments."

Boyega revealed that Jamie Foxx was constantly improving on set, making the set feel like a big family where “Everyone was just cracking jokes.” Even though it was filmed two-and-a-half years ago and faced multiple COVID-19-related delays, Boyega called it “the number one best time” he’s ever had on a film set.

"It was a dope thing to be a part of, and the crew was really amazing," he says. "A lot of them are based out of Atlanta, so a lot of Black people in this. And really, it was just a vibe. The culture was just alive on set."

Boyega credited Jamie Foxx, who also serves as a producer on the film, for keeping everyone’s spirits up. "He invited us all to his house, put us through his initiation process, which is basically just vibing, talking, getting to know each other," Boyega says. "In Jamie we trust."

He also recalled how the Oscar-winning actor launched into a free stand-up show for a crowd that had gathered around a gas station in Atlanta where they were filming. “I was even eating my lunch watching it,” Boyega recalled, saying that it reminded him that "Oh yeah, it does touch people who do care about actors and art and your expression of that."

On April 12, Corinne Foxx, the daughter of Jamie Foxx, took to Instagram to reveal that her father had been hospitalized for an unknown "medical complication."

“From the Foxx Family: We Wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday. Luckily, due to the quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.”

“We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time,” she concluded, wrapping up her statement with, “Much love, The Foxx Family.”

On May 3, shortly after the announcement that the two had been replaced as the hosts of their game show "Beat Shazam," Jamie took to Instagram to share a brief message with his followers for the first time since his health scare began.

“Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed,” he wrote alongside a trio of emojis. John Boyega did comment on Foxx's health in his new interview, but at this time, it is believed that Foxx is still in the hospital.