We got an interview with Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira the Black Panther movie press day! These ladies are the lead female roles in the film and explained their personal connections to their characters and Wakanda.
One of my favorite interviews during the Black Panther movie press day was out group interview with Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira! Nyong’o plays Nakia, a somewhat secret warrior who serves Wakanda as a spy. She carries out missions undercover and is a free spirit who is full of pride for her country. Gurira’s character Okoye is a fierce warrior who leads the Dora Milaje, or the group of all female personal body guards that serve and protect the King of Wakanda. These two ladies are super fierce in the film, when it comes to combat and protecting their country, they literally run it!
Interview With Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira – A Personal Connection To Black Panther
Lupita Nyong’o explains how she relates to her character Nakia
“I identify with Nakia’s independent spirit and her feeling her loyalty to her country.” She continues to say “she’s also a war
dog, an undercover spy but as a warrior, and as a leader of her tribe I think it means a lot to her to make her people proud and I understand that.” Nyong’o says that she truly relates to Nakia, and that she loves a woman who is on a mission to make a difference!
Danai Gurira understands Okoye’s dedication to Wakanda
Gurira has always been clear about what she wanted, and that’s exactly what she brings to the role of Okoye. “[She] is so dedicated to her nation and so dedicated to her people and really holds responsibility to the idea “to who much is given, much is expected.” I feel like she considers Wakanda like this gem that she has been given to perfect and so she really takes that on as something that is priceless.” Gurira is from, and has a passion for, the continent of Africa, so there were so many things that she could connect with through her character.
Correct African representation matters
Nyong’o says that there is a certain responsibility they face when portraying African women onscreen. “I think for both of us [her and Gurira] especially when we’re dealing with African representation in story we feel such a strong sense of responsibility and desire, deep desire to see African women on screen that look and feel like we know them to be.”
Gurira agreed, and was thrilled about what the costume department did with all of the actors’ hair styles in the movie. Gurira said, “They really pulled from real actual cultures and ethnic differentiations and how hair is celebrated across the continent traditionally and currently and, you know, I think there is something really powerful about all the ways that hair was represented.” Guys, there’s a princess with braids. Individual BRAIDS!
Don’t miss Lupita and Danai in Black Panther, out in theaters February 16, 2018!
I hope you enjoyed this recap of my interview with Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira were able to gather a little bit of insight on the lead female roles in this film. This movie is not to be missed, it is a fabulous story with so much to it! Read my Black Panther movie review and watch the Black Panther movie trailer, get excited because it’s almost here!
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I am attending a press trip courtesy of Disney. Travel, lodging and other logistics are provided, opinions are those of Honey + Lime.