For John Boyega, the fact that “They Cloned Tyrone,” his new, offbeat sci-fi mystery comedy, is a true original was reason enough to jump aboard.

“It has some elements of a mystery movie, of Blaxploitation movies. At the same time it’s kind of slapped by fire with some social commentary in there as well. All of that’s what really attracted me to it,” Boyega, 31, explained in a phone interview from Miami where the Netflix entry was being screened.

“Just a mesh of genres set in a world that is familiar-unfamiliar at the same time.  It kind of plays with a modern narrative and modern references.”

“They Cloned Tyrone,” written by Juel Taylor (who also directs) and Tony Rettenmaier, was immediately recognized in Hollywood when it landed on the prestigious Black List, the industry list of each year’s “most liked” unproduced scripts.

“Reading the script,” Boyega recalled, “there’s a type of excitement that builds in you. Especially when it’s really, really good. On top of that, you hear that Jamie Foxx is going to be a part of it, Teyonah Parris is going to be a part of it. I was like, ‘I’d love the opportunity.’

“What makes me so interested in projects is when directors know personally what you’re interested in and they offer you things based on your actual interest.”

Since his 2011 breakthrough in “Attack the Block,” the British alien invasion comedy, Boyega has eschewed the traditional leading man roles, despite his classically heroic qualities.

His Fontaine in “Tyrone” is certainly a surprising choice: Inexpressive, monosyllabic, so low-key he could be almost comatose. So somber and quiet when compared to the flamboyant Yo Yo (Parris) and Foxx’s Slick Charles.

“As an addition to the group, he’s an introvert. At the same time he’s a guy that’s sick and tired. I’m sure if you see a picture of him before, it’s with a sense of happiness. There’s much more light in his eyes.

“When you meet him, he’s the street guy with serious elements of the narrative.”

And yes, Boyega allowed, surprising people is part of his mix.  “I like to show a commitment to the artistry. I feel a lot of people love to watch you delve into a role that’s just that significantly different from who they are in real life.

“People are intrigued by that when it comes to acting and performing. And I like to go for roles that give me that opportunity.”

“They Cloned Tyrone” streams on Netflix July 21