In the new film “Breaking,” British actor John Boyega plays real-life Marine veteran Brian Brown-Easley.
As the Department of Veterans Affairs halted his disability payments, Brown-Easily kidnapped a number of employees at an Atlanta suburbs bank, sparking a tense standoff with both the police and the media.
“Honestly, I had no idea there was no support,” Boyega says of Brown-case. Easley’s
“A lot of individuals experience this. But a lot of us do not have the family members or the first-hand experience to know. And I certainly hope it helps people start a conversation about how to treat the people who battle for your safety and peace of mind. How to Handle Them
The actor explains that this movie is not just a “generic thriller” with “screaming and shouting”, but a character-led story about Brown-Easley’s struggles. Boyega believes the role changed him “spiritually” and made him appreciate his life more.
Late actor Michael K. Williams stars opposite Boyega as hostage negotiator Eli Bernard.
“Michael showed up for us, and he was cool about the process, was chill about whatever we needed to do creatively,” recalls Boyega. “No matter where you go, just make sure you’re open to the process, don’t let stardom, power, money, whatever it is, stop you from doing what you need to do to be able to portray, you know, roles.”
“Breaking” will be released for Digital Download on March 27