Netflix Picks up Lupita Nyong'o's 'Sulwe' To Turn Into An Animated Musical

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Lupita Nyong’o is bringing her bestselling children’s book to Netflix as an animated musical. Sulwe, which was released in 2019 to “give dark skin permission to exist in the world of dreams and imagination,” will be produced by the award-winning actress.

Written by the 37-year-old with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, the New York Times bestseller follows Sulwe, a 5-year-old Kenyan girl who wants to be beautiful and bright because she has the darkest skin complexion in her family and at school. It isn’t until one night when she embarks on a magical journey where she learns that true beauty comes from within.

“The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart,” Nyong’o said in a statement. “Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love.”

“Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colorism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value,” she continued. “I am thrilled that the book is being adapted into an animated musical that we hope inspires children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness.”

The Us actress shared the news to her social media captioning the post, “Sulwe is going to be an animated movie!! Thank you to the readers of all ages who have joined #Sulwe on her starry ride. I’m so excited for this next adventure on @Netflix!”

This new project marks the second time Nyong’o will work with Netflix on Sulwe. Late last year she read the NAACP Image award-winning children’s book on Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices; a series that highlighted Black celebrities, artists, and the Black experience.

Every Time A Dark-Skinned Woman Smiles, It Restores Our Faith In Humanity