Lupita Nyong’o's Children's Book SULWE is Being Adapted Into an Animated Musical For Netflix
Netflix is set to produce an animated musical adaptation of actress Lupita Nyong’o’s bestselling children’s book Sulwe.
Sulwe was written by Nyong’o and it includes illustrations by Vashti Harrison. The story follows Sulwe, “a child who has skin darker than anyone she knows (“Sulwe was born the color of midnight,” the book begins) — and all she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. The book tells a story about colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.”
Nyong’o talked about the project, saying:
“The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart. 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. 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.”
There are currently no details on the creative team who will be bringing the story to life, but this seems like it’ll be a wonderful story to tell as an animated musical.
The project joins a few other animated projects currently is development at Netflix including Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10½: A Space Age Adventure, Henry Selick’s Wendell & Wild, Nora Twomey’s My Father’s Dragon and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio among others.
Source: Deadline