5 Shocking Facts About Lupita Nyong'o's Star Wars Role And Her 2024 Comments

Lupita Nyong'o's contribution to the *Star Wars* universe is one of the most fascinating and often-overlooked aspects of the sequel trilogy, bringing to life the enigmatic, ancient, and Force-sensitive smuggler, Maz Kanata. As of December 2025, the Kenyan-Mexican actress continues to be a major figure in Hollywood, and her recent comments from the 2024 BFI London Film Festival offer a fresh perspective on her relationship with the galaxy far, far away. Maz Kanata, the character she plays through a sophisticated motion-capture performance, is far more than just a quirky alien. She is a pivotal figure in the galaxy's history, a living legend who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires and even held one of the most important artifacts in *Star Wars* lore: the Skywalker lightsaber.

Lupita Nyong'o: Full Biography and Profile

Lupita Amondi Nyong'o is an Academy Award-winning actress, author, and filmmaker known for her fierce talent and commitment to diverse roles. Her professional journey from East Africa to Hollywood is a story of global success and artistic excellence.

• Full Name: Lupita Amondi Nyong'o
• Born: March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico.
• Nationality: Kenyan and Mexican (Dual Citizenship).
• Parents: Peter Anyang' Nyong'o (Kenyan politician and former senator) and Dorothy Ogada Buyu.
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Film and Theater Studies from Hampshire College; Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Yale School of Drama.
• Major Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (for 12 Years a Slave); Tony Award nomination (for Eclipsed).
• Key Filmography (Selected): 12 Years a Slave (2013), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), The Jungle Book (2016), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019).
• Other Ventures: Author of the *New York Times* best-selling children's book, Sulwe.

The Enigmatic Role: Who is Maz Kanata?

Maz Kanata is a computer-generated character in the *Star Wars* sequel trilogy, brought to life by Nyong'o's voice and motion-capture performance. She is a diminutive, orange-skinned humanoid with large, specialized goggles and is characterized by her profound wisdom and moral ambiguity. Her character appears in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

1. Maz Kanata is Over 1,000 Years Old and Force-Sensitive

One of the most mind-boggling facts about Maz Kanata is her incredible age. She is a living relic of the galaxy, confirmed to be over 1,000 years old. This immense lifespan means she witnessed the fall of the Old Republic, the rise of the Galactic Empire, and the formation of the New Republic and the First Order. Her wisdom is legendary, and she is a trusted ally of General Leia Organa.

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Though she is not a Jedi, Maz is explicitly described as Force-sensitive. She has a deep connection to the cosmic energy field, stating, "I am no Jedi, but I know the Force." This connection allows her to sense the emotional and historical significance of objects, which is critical to the plot of The Force Awakens.

2. She is the 'Smuggler Queen' of Takodana

Maz Kanata's primary base of operations is her ancient castle on the planet Takodana. This castle serves as a neutral ground and a watering hole for smugglers, bounty hunters, and travelers from all corners of the galaxy, including the Resistance and the First Order. Her title as the "Smuggler Queen" is well-earned, as she has built an extensive network of contacts—a fact that makes her a valuable, if sometimes reluctant, ally to the heroes.

The castle's role in The Force Awakens is central, as it is the location where Rey, Finn, and Han Solo first seek her help. It is here that Rey discovers the legendary lightsaber that once belonged to Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker.

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The Mystery of the Skywalker Lightsaber

The most debated question surrounding Maz Kanata's character is how she came into possession of the iconic blue-bladed lightsaber. This weapon was lost when Luke Skywalker lost a duel with Darth Vader on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back, only to reappear decades later in a wooden chest in Maz's castle basement.

In the film, when asked how she got it, Maz simply replies, "A good question. For another time." The sequels never fully answered this question, leaving it open to speculation and expanded lore in other media. Many fans believe her extensive network of contacts and her passion for collecting ancient artifacts allowed her to acquire the weapon through the galactic underworld.

3. Nyong'o's Performance is Pure Motion Capture

Lupita Nyong'o's transformation into Maz Kanata is a masterclass in motion-capture acting, similar to Andy Serkis's work as Gollum or Caesar. Unlike a traditional voice role, Nyong'o was on set with the other actors, wearing a specialized suit and headgear. This allowed her to physically perform the role, capturing the subtle nuances of Maz's body language, facial expressions, and movements. This commitment to performance capture ensures that Maz's character feels fully integrated and emotionally present in the scenes, despite being a computer-generated alien.

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4. She Was Initially Unsure of Her Star Wars Future

Following the massive success of The Force Awakens, there was significant confusion and rumor regarding Maz Kanata’s role in the subsequent films. At one point, Nyong'o herself was unsure about her return for *Episode VIII* (The Last Jedi), with some rumors suggesting her scenes had been cut. However, she later confirmed her role in the film, and she ultimately appeared in all three films of the sequel trilogy, cementing Maz Kanata's place as a recurring, key character.

5. Her 2024 Comments Reveal a Childhood Star Wars Connection

In a recent and revealing moment that offers a fresh perspective on her connection to the franchise, Lupita Nyong'o discussed her history with *Star Wars* at the BFI London Film Festival 2024 Screen Talk. She shared a surprising anecdote about how her childhood exposure to the films was disconnected from the official branding.

Nyong'o stated, "I grew up watching *Star Wars*, but I didn't know it was *Star Wars*." This quote highlights that the films were simply part of the cultural landscape in Kenya, watched on local television without the global marketing and franchise awareness attached. This personal revelation adds a layer of genuine, almost accidental, connection to the material she would later become a crucial part of. Her comments underscore how the power of the *Star Wars* stories transcends language and geography, making her casting as Maz Kanata even more serendipitous.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

To fully appreciate Lupita Nyong'o's role, it is essential to understand the constellation of characters and concepts surrounding Maz Kanata:

• Key Characters: Han Solo, General Leia Organa, Rey, Finn, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron.
• Factions: The Resistance, The First Order, The New Republic, The Galactic Empire.
• Films: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, The Empire Strikes Back.
• Locations: Takodana, Starkiller Base, Cloud City, Jakku.
• Technology/Lore: Skywalker Lightsaber, Motion Capture (Mo-Cap), Force-Sensitive, Smuggler Queen.