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During a recent London Film Festival appearance, Lupita Nyong’o shared insights on two of her most pivotal films: Black Panther and 12 Years A Slave. Reflecting on Black Panther’s production, she revealed the intense pressure the cast and Marvel executives felt. “Marvel was shaking in their boots, Nyongo said, emphasizing the high stakes, given the film’s groundbreaking nature as an all-Black superhero movie. The cast, too, felt the weight of dispelling the myth that Black films couldn’t succeed globally.
Nyong’o praised Black Panther for its aspirational themes and cultural significance, particularly for its portrayal of African identity free from colonial influence. The film’s success, shattering expectations by grossing over $1 billion and garnering seven Oscar nominations, proved Black stories resonate universally.
In discussing her 12 Years A Slave journey, Nyong’o reflected on the surreal experience of winning her first Oscar for her debut performance. Although the Oscars had never been a goal, the win placed her in a unique historical position, one of only a few Black actors to claim such an honor. She acknowledged the importance of this recognition but maintained it was not her ultimate marker of success.
Nyong’o was also in London to promote her new animated film The Wild Robot, confirming that a sequel is already in the works.
