Lupita Nyong'o's Brother Junior Discloses Sister Had A Hand In Him Landing Animation Role

• Lupita Nyong'o's brother, Junior Nyong'o, expressed his excitement at playing the lead voiceover role in the animated series 'Twende'
• Although the actor has been involved in several Shakespeare theatre productions, this was his first time doing voiceovers for an animation
• Junior explained that Lupita gave him advice and tips before his audition, which helped him understand and nail the role
• He disclosed that his nieces and nephews inspired him to take up the role, hoping to make them love animation just as he does

Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong'o's brother, Junior Nyong'o, has explained the role his sister played in helping him secure his first-ever animation role.

Who is Junior Nyong'o

Junior was speaking about his experience in doing the voiceover for the Showmax animated series 'Twende'.

The young man is an actor with an MFA in acting from UC San Diego, a musician and DJ who has secured roles in several major theatre productions, including Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew and King Lear.

In September, he also did a stage reading of Shakespeare's Richard III with Hollywood legends Keith David and Al Pacino.

How Junior joined Twende animation series

Junior immediately expressed his interest when he heard that animation was looking for its lead actor because it was something he had always dreamed of doing.

"During the pandemic in 2020, my cousin Kwame told me that an animation about a pangolin was looking for its lead voice actor. Without thinking too much about it, I expressed an interest in auditioning for it," he said.

However, despite all his accolades, the young thespian had no voiceover experience, so he decided to consult his sister, Lupita, before his audition.

Junior says that the award-winning actress was happy for him, giving him tips and advice on tackling voiceovers, having done quite a number herself.

"I called my sister for some advice and tips on voiceover work. We geeked out about what a cool opportunity it would be, and so I went into the audition feeling very excited and ready to play and be receptive to all the director’s thoughts," he elaborated.

Suffice it to say, Junior got the role and now voices the character alongside fellow thespian June Gachui, who voices the character Nuru.

Twende, in a few sentences

The series tells the story of Twende, a boda-boda-riding pangolin who believes 'life is about the journey, not the destination.'

Without any hurry in the world, Twende ferries residents of the bustling, fictional city of Milima from one point to the next in conjunction with his best friend and navigator, Nuru.

Hollywood actor Edi Gathegi lands role in DC's Superman

Separately, in July, Hollywood star Edi Gathegi landed a super role in DC's upcoming film Superman Legacy.

The high-flying TV star will play Mister Terrific, a superhero ready to save the day from villains.

Gathegi announced the news on his Instagram account, posting a black and white photo of himself, side by side with that of Mr Terrific.

He expressed gratitude at landing the role.

He wrote:

"Beyond grateful a master storyteller has invited me to contribute to this iconic property and this artistic conversation. Humbled to join the DC family."

According to Sinema Focus, Gathegi joins Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet, who will play The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and The Politician.