Detroit stars John Boyega and Will Poulter defend being cast in film about American police brutality

John Boyega and Will Poulter have defended the decision to cast British stars in their new film about a key moment in US history.

The pair have put in acclaimed performances in Detroit, which tells the true tale of a gruesome racially motivated incident of police brutality that left three black men dead in 1967.

Star Wars actor Boyega, 25, plays security guard Melvin Dismukes, while Poulter is racist police officer Philip Krauss in the film which takes place during the Detroit riots.

At the UK premiere at Curzon Mayfair last night, Peckham-born Boyega said “When I first read the script it said ‘untitled Kathryn Bigelow project’ and that was enough for me. You have to trust Kathryn to pick the right cast — none of us were worried about who was from where.

“Racism isn’t just an American problem — race relations, systematic racism is a worldwide issue. Hopefully this movie will be part of the jigsaw puzzle that will help push change. And Will is sensational — I’m a big fan of his, even though he doesn’t know it.”

When asked about the casting, Poulter said: “I don’t think it is an issue. I just felt very lucky and honoured to have the responsibility of exposing an individual like that and getting the chance to play him unapologetically.

“[Krauss] is unquestionably the most evil character I’ve ever played. Despite how villainous and monstrous he is, he is human. That’s the frightening thing about him.

“In playing Krauss I had the opportunity to expose a real-life character who didn’t just exist in 1967 but unfortunately still operates today. Kathryn and I were keen to expose that fact as unapologetically as possible to draw attention to the greater issue that these individuals don’t have an example made of them enough.”

Poulter admitted there would be sections of the US who would find the film hard to watch. Referring to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, he said: “I was slightly concerned because of the rawness of the wound in America. But at the same time, it’s very important that we tell it.”

Detroit is released in the UK on August 25.