John Boyega has been cast as the lead in the Pacific Rim sequel.

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens star will play the son of Idris Elba's character, Stacker Pentecost, who was killed off in the original 2013 film.

The movie's plotline has been kept underwraps, but the first film centred on a team of heroes battling giant sea creatures.

The project will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight following original filmmaker Guillermo del Toro's departure earlier this year (16). Del Toro will produce alongside Boyega, Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and executive producer Cale Boyter.