John Boyega and the rest of the cast of 'Star Wars' had a "big cry" on the last day of shooting on 'The Rise of Skywalker'

Boyega admits he and his castmates feel grateful just to be a part of a franchise that was started in 1977 by George Lucas with 'A New Hope' and has gone on to be part of countless people's lives.

In an interview with Time Out magazine, he said: "We all had a big cry, for real. It's also got the feeling of joy and being thankful for you guys, for all the people who've been coming to see the films, in a time when it's harder and harder to get people out to the cinema. It's appreciated. It's a part of people's lives. To be one of the many faces of it is very cool.

"The feeling of seeing that 'Star Wars' logo coming out of the screen - it just reminds you of how you felt the first time you watched it. I'm happy to be one part of the jigsaw puzzle because it is frickin' massive. It's emotional."

Disney's new movies saw the return of original trilogy stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and the late Carrie Fisher as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia respectively - 38 years after they made the first films.

Boyega insists he will be more than happy to return to a galaxy far, far away as Finn in 40 years' time even if he needs a walking stick to get to the studio.

When asked if he'd reprise his role for a sequel in the future, he answered: "Yeah, man! I'd come on with my walking stick, my Burberry walking stick! That's what I want!"