Lupita Nyong'o Was Not Cut from 'Star Wars,' J.J. Abrams Says

Lupita Nyong’o makes her way through the airport while arriving at LAX on Thursday (December 3) in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old Oscar-winning actress is in town to do press for her new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens and director J.J. Abrams is slamming reports that she was cut from the film.

“The number of rumors floating around about The Force Awakens is truly stunning. Some are wonderfully funny, others simply preposterous,” J.J. told Page Six. “But the only one more ridiculous than Jar Jar Binks being a Sith Lord is that I cut Lupita Nyong’o‘s performance because it wasn’t satisfactory.”

“In truth, her performance wasn’t satisfactory. 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,” he continued.