John Boyega heading to a Kaiju-ridden Earth as lead of Pacific Rim 2

He'll play the son of Idris Elba's character from the first film

(WireImage)

John Boyega may be only one film into his role of Finn in the Star Wars universe but he's already lined up his next franchise.

The actor has confirmed he will be starring in Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to Guillermo del Toro's action sci-fi monster film.

Moreover, his own company UpperRoom Productions - founded alongside Femi Oguns - is to produce the sequel alongside Legendary Pictures.

Upon its release in 2013, Pacific Rim - an original property from del Toro and Travis Beacham - did substantial service at the box office. Still, in a time where superhero sequels abound, it's commendable such a fil's been giving the follow-up greenlight.

On directing duties - and replacing del Toro - is Stephen S. DeKnight, the man who created the several Spartacus television shows that ended back in 2012. Following that, DeKnight went on to become Netflix series Daredevil's showrunner replacing Drew Goddard.

In the sequel, Boyega will play the son of Idris Elba's character Stacker Pentecost. It is not known whether the original film's lead Charlie Hunnam will reprise the role of Raleigh Becket.

The story of Pacific Rim follows a future Earth where humanity has created giant mechas named Jaegers to combat colossal monsters known as the Kaiju.

Boyega was reportedly in talks with Marvel to join Black Panther alongside Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o. Next up, he will return as Finn in a 'bigger and darker' follow-up to Episode VII: The Force Awakens which is being directed by Rian Johnson.

Spanish filmmaker del Toro will remain on board Pacific Rim 2 as producer.