Was Lupita Nyong’o Cut From ‘Star Wars’?

Poor Lupita Nyong'o. After the high of being cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Maz Kanata – and then managing to keep it secret for like, forever – the actress has now had to deal with rumours claiming her performance has been cut as it wasn’t up to standard.

Thankfully, the film’s director, JJ Abrams has gallantly stepped forward to say that’s a load of old rubbish. He said: “The number of rumours 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’s performance because it wasn't satisfactory.”

But hold up, he added: “In truth, her performance wasn't satisfactory.” Wait…what? He explained: “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.”

We think that means he’s pretty happy with her work.

Now we know Lupita’s part hasn’t been chopped, there’s just the small matter of managing to get tickets for the film, which opens in two weeks on December 17. Cinema websites across the country crashed in October, when advance tickets finally went on sale. May the force be with you – and get us a large sweet popcorn too?