We were already plenty excited to see that Lupita Nyong’o would be taking a prominent role in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and a space pirate no less!

While many of us might not be thrilled with the fact that her character, Maz Kanata, will be created with CGI, it’s certain that they wouldn’t have cast an actress of Nyong’o’s Yale graduate/Oscar-winning caliber if this weren’t an awesome role. What’s more, in the concept art newly revealed in Indie Revolver, we can see that this would’ve been a really difficult make-up job.

Just look at that face! There’s a story there. And while we will sadly be deprived of Nyong’o’s natural beauty, creating a new character in a huge film franchise is an opportunity that every actor relishes. Representation is about more than just the audience seeing themselves on screen. It’s about actors of color having the opportunity to play the types of nuanced, or fun, or profitable characters that white actors do.

Benedict Cumberbatch got to demonstrate his acting prowess playing Smaug. Andy Serkis demonstrated his playing Gollum. Now, Nyong’o gets to create an original character in the Star Wars universe, and really showcase her immense skill in the process. I’m all for it, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table when The Force Awakens opens!

What do you all think of Maz Kanata?

(via Blastr)

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