Tackling Fear Head-On
Film industry persona Lupita Nyong’o is no stranger to challenges. While known for her diverse acting skills and work towards breaking Hollywood gender disparities, not all roles come without their trials. Nyong’o recently found herself working at close quarters with an obstruction in her path, overcoming fear in her latest role in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’. Her opponent? A cat.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ – An Uncommon Struggle
Set to be the next thrilling installment in the Quiet Place franchise, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ is a much-anticipated prequel. Sci-fi horror fanatics will find Nyong’o playing Sam, a relatable individual trapped in the terrifying turmoil of an alien invasion. Integral to the plot is a cat set to be her co-star, a detail which proved an unforeseen hindrance given Nyong’o’s existing phobia.
Choosing Therapy Over Fear
During an interview with Glamour, Nyong’o disclosed her apprehension. Her initial thought was to request the director replace the cat with a less intimidating animal – she had even pondered an armadillo. Yet instead of succumbing to fear, Nyong’o chose to face it head-on. The revered Black Panther actress took up cat therapy sessions, determined to conquer her fear.
“It required learning more about myself and understanding the animal,” she admitted.
Successful Overcoming of Fear
And face it, she did. Nyong’o successfully became accustomed to her feline co-star early on in the filming process, mastering her long-held fear. This was a significant personal victory for her – a testament to the power of perseverance and openness to novel experiences.
Nyong’o’s New Furry Friend
What started as fear transitioned into friendship, as following her therapy sessions, Nyong’o welcomed a 2-year-old cat named Yoyo into her home. Quoting an amusing remark, she shared Yoyo “teaches me how to relax,” a far cry from her initial fear of felines.
Realising Unexpected Victories
Nyong’o’s journey, like many others in the industry, is punctuated with both triumphs and obstacles. In 2014, she bagged the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her debut role in ’12 Years a Slave’ – a victory she hadn’t anticipated. The astonishing moment arrived only after her name was pronounced winner and her brother nudged her, signaling a landmark achievement in her acting career.
Nyong’o is not just the first Kenyan-Mexican actress to receive an Oscar, she has notably been honoured with the Screen Actors Guild Award and Critic’s Choice Movie Award. Admirably, she was also nominated for the NAACP Image Award, Daytime Emmy Award, and Tony Award, underlining her significant role in diversifying Hollywood’s landscape.
Anticipating ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’
With its release date slated for June 28, 2024, fans anxiously await the arrival of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’. It is not just a film to witness Nyong’o’s acting prowess yet again, but also a testament to her commitment to surmount personal hurdles in her art’s pursuit.
In conclusion, the story of Nyong’o’s feline fear conquered in preparation for her role in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ underscores her dedication to her craft. It serves as a worthy reminder to actors and public alike – our capabilities to overcome are often much stronger than our fears.
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/lupita-nyongo-overcomes-fear-with-cat-therapy-for-a-quiet-place-day-one-role/