Want a heads up about the next big thing? Then remember the name John Boyega. The British-Nigerian actor, who made a splash in this summer's '80s-inspired creature feature Attack the Block, has landed the lead in Spike Lee's HBO drama series Da Brick.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Boyega will play Donnie, an 18-year-old who is trying to get by as a "young Black man in a supposedly post-racial America." Donnie's life will be partially based on that of notorious boxer Mike Tyson. Spike Lee will be directing the pilot episode and producing the series, if it gets picked up by HBO.
It's hard to believe that Boyega, who plays fearless youth Moses in the award-winning flick, had never acted before Attack the Block, but insiders are expecting big things from the young comer. Attack the Block director Joe Cornish went so far as to tell Empire Online, "I am pretty much 100% confident that John Boyega will go on to be a major star."
Looks like he may be right.

(Photo: Samir Hussein/GettyImages)