Lupita Nyong’o is set to produce and star in the film adaptation of Trevor Noah’s biography

Nyong’o, who stars in the record breaking blockbuster Black Panther tweeted the news on 21 February 2018.

When I read @Trevornoah's "Born A Crime," I could not put the book down. Excited to announce that I will be starring in and producing its feature film adaptation! #BornACrimehttps://t.co/v4AfGe23P5 pic.twitter.com/QvrsETIEAc

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) February 21, 2018

Deadline confirmed that the actress will play Noah’s mom, Patricia, who served as an important figure to her son in his formative years. She was shot in the head by his stepfather while returning from a church service in 2009, but survived.

Noah is producing the project through his Ark Angel Productions with Norman Aladjem, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin of Mainstay Entertainment, as well as with Nyong’o.

The book was released in 2016 and spent 26 weeks on the bestseller list. It went on to win the James Thurber Prize for American Humor and two NAACP Image Awards. Spiegel & Grau, the imprint that published Noah’s first book, has bought his untitled follow-up memoir, which will be published by Random House on 13 November 2018.

South Africans on Twitter had a very mixed response to the news criticising Noah for not getting a South African actress to play the part. Others commended Nyong’o for being African and wanting to tell African stories.

I'm happy for Trevor Noah, but a bit disappointed that some of the main characters are to be portrayed but none South Africans? After Tsotsi and its success, our people should be believing more in local talent #BornACrime

— Phillix M. Kokwele (@Matome_Kay) February 22, 2018

Lol if you're gonna call out Trevor Noah for using foreign actors,you better call yourself out for choosing Gucci or Givenchy over Mr Price

While I understand you wear Mr Price cos Gucci is expensive, not cos local lekker,Trevor can afford the Gucci version of actors#BornACrime

— a don (@Boon__ZA) February 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/RaraMarley/status/966621112925872128

Trevor noah doesn't own South africa nothing they will put who ever he wants on the movie!
When yall choose to buy h&m clothes instead of south African brands who complains #BornACrime pic.twitter.com/E0h1sJEhC1

— Dr Chauke 📝 (@_BlackZA) February 22, 2018

Lupita is African and I am not mad at her playing Trevor's mother at all. That she's a producer on the project which is even greater news! She's an African telling an African story. Power to her. #BornACrime

— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) February 22, 2018

Trevor Noah has an Oscar winner playing his mom- elevating his and his mom’s story to a global audience. Oscar winners add so much value to a film. He must be over the moon. Incredible. #BornACrime

— Timothy Maurice (@timothymaurice) February 22, 2018