Recently it had been reported by The Mirror, that Lupita Nyong’o’s role as Maz Kanta was “massively cut”, due to a “subpar performance”.
“there was a general sense that something wasn’t working [with Nyong’O’s performance] so a lot of her scenes ended up being either reworked or cut.”
J.J. Abrams made sure to clear up this rumor with a statement to Page Six,
“The number of rumors floating around about The Force Awakens is truly stunning. Some are wonderfully funny, others simply preposterous. But the only one more ridiculous than Jar Jar Binks being a Sith Lord is that I cut Lupita Nyong’o’s performance because it wasn’t satisfactory,” said Abrams.
“In truth, her performance wasn’t satisfactory. It was spectacular. She has brought the character of Maz Kanata to life in the most wonderful, wise, touching, deep and funny way. Lupita never ceased to amaze me. Yes, we tried many approaches, and we finally landed on just what the film needed. She elevated all the scenes she is in, I’m forever grateful, and can’t wait for people to see her stunning performance.”
Unfounded rumors and pressure from fans is likely not a surprise for a talented and experience actor such as Nyong’o who can take solace about her acting ability while looking at her 2014 Academy Award sitting on her mantle.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters December 18th.
