Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o dove headfirst into the sci-fi genre in December with her memorable role as Maz Kanata in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Though her character didn't receive a ton of screen time, she was well-received by fans, which is a good thing because it sounds like Nyong'o is sticking with the sci-fi genre for a bit.
Nyong'o may be up for the female lead in "Intelligent Life," with "Selma" director Ava DuVernay possibly helming the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That's a strong duo if it comes to fruition, and the background names are equally as impressive. The script comes from the "Jurassic World" team of Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly and is a high-concept sci-fi blockbuster. Interested?
DuVernay is deciding between this project and "A Wrinkle In Time," but we're hoping she sticks with "Intelligent Life." The plot revolves around Nyong'o's character, an alien disguised as a human, who has manipulated the U.N.-appointed representative for the human race on the eve of first contact with extraterrestrial life. That's right, this is a big sci-fi movie with a brain, not just a bad intergalactic shoot-em-up like "Jupiter Ascending" or "Oblivion."
THR doesn't know of any actors being considered for the male lead, but here is to hoping "Selma's" David Oyelowo gets the nod in an epic reteaming with DuVernay. Following Nyong'o's gut-wrenching performance in "12 Years A Slave," we know she can act opposite just about anyone. But why not give her one of the best up-and-coming leading men in the business to tackle this project with?
As of now, DuVernay's attachment to "Intelligent Life" is unofficial. We'll keep you posted if she commits to the project sometime soon. With production slated to start sometime this summer, we'd expect a decision in the near future.
