Lupita Nyong'o, known for her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave, recently reflected on her experience in the groundbreaking Marvel film Black Panther during an episode of Marc Maron's WTF podcast. As Nyong'o juggles new projects like A Quiet Place: Day One and The Wild Robot, she took time to speak about the pressure the cast and crew felt in delivering a film that would redefine what a Black superhero movie could achieve.
One of the key revelations from Nyong'o was the collective anxiety felt on set. She acknowledged the weight of expectation, particularly with the notion that Hollywood historically doubted the global appeal of Black-led films. Nyong'o emphasized that they knew failure wasn't an option, stating:
“We cannot fail… because all too often we hear the lie that Black material doesn't sell.”
The result was nothing short of spectacular. Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon, earning $1.35 billion worldwide and receiving critical acclaim, ranking as one of the most beloved Marvel films to date. Its success shattered outdated Hollywood narratives, proving that Black stories resonate with audiences globally.
Beyond its box office triumph, Black Panther resonated on a deeper level for Nyong'o, who spoke about the effects of colonialism on African identity. She reflected on growing up learning British history over her own, wondering what African societies could have become if colonial forces hadn't imposed Western ideals. Black Panther, in many ways, allowed her and the audience to reimagine that alternate reality—an Africa untouched by colonization.
Nyong'o's next voice performance can be heard in The Wild Robot, premiering on September 27th. But for many, her role in Black Panther will remain iconic—a film that not only entertained but empowered.
