The Freshening: John Boyega to star in a sci-fi romance from Birds of Prey director Cathy Yan

John Boyega (Attack the Block, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) is teaming up with Birds of Prey director Cathy Yan for a science-fiction romance called The Freshening. Cameras will roll later this year, with FilmNation Entertainment producing alongside Ali Wong, Hyperobject Industries’ Adam McKay and Betsy Koch, and Rewild’s Cathy Yan and Ash Sarohia.

The Freshening takes inspiration from Rachel Khong’s short story published in the Paris Review. The plot focuses on a near future where strife over race and gender has reached a violent boiling point, forcing the U.S. government to establish a new public initiative. The program is called “The Freshening,” and involves everyone getting an injection that causes everyone to only see others as the same race and gender as themselves. The film focuses on the part of the rollout when a street drug is distributed, promising a chance to see the world as it truly is. Throughout the tale, we meet Sam and Reese (Boyega), who must decide if they will disrupt the “freshened” world.

Good grief! I wouldn’t want to live in a “freshened” world. I won’t get into the social implications of this story, but damn. The Freshening sounds like an oppressive and timely story that hits too close to home in some regards. With any luck, it will have a hopeful ending.

“We are tremendously excited to have John bring this complex character and story to life and can’t wait to begin filming with this incredible group of likeminded creatives,” said the production team in a collective statement.

“It’s a dream to work with John Boyega, a singular talent whose commitment to his craft and willingness to take risks have delivered such memorable, wide-ranging performances. I know he’ll bring incredible depth and nuance to Reese. I’m thrilled he’s on for this wild ride,” said Yan.

Additional casting is happening now for Yan’s The Freshening. I wonder who they’ll cast as Boyega’s love interest and how they’ll appear on screen throughout the movie. When I think about how colorful and vibrant Yan’s Birds of Prey is, I can’t help but be excited about her creating a sci-fi backdrop with powerful social commentary. Let’s go!