Kenyan born actress Lupita Nyong’o is set to play Trevor Noah’s mother in the film adaptation of Noah’s book, Born A Crime.
Nyong’o revealed the news on her Twitter account on Thursday. She tweeted about her excitement regarding the new project.
The movie will be a film version of Noah’s book based on his life, released in 2016, which Nyong’o says she couldn’t put down once she started reading it.
South African’s took to Twitter to express how they felt about the decision.
Some complained about foreign actors being cast to portray South African people.
Phillix Kokwele Tweeted “I’m happy for Trevor Noah, but a bit disappointed that some of the main characters are to be portrayed but none South Africans. After Tsotsi and its success, our people should be believing more in local talent.”
Some were in defense of Nyong’o and Noah saying the move is a business decision.
Lonwabo Dyolivane Tweeted, “Lupita Nyongo will attract a bigger audience than our local actors. It’s all about the mula, that’s why it’s called the entertainment industry.”
Nyong’o stars in the latest Marvel Studio blockbuster movie, Black Panther which opened in South Africa last Friday.
See tweets below:
