Kumail Nanjiani Reflects on Lessons Learned from 'Eternals' and Finding Joy in Work
Kumail Nanjiani recently shared his thoughts on his role in the Marvel movie "Eternals" during an episode of NPR's Wild Card with Rachel Martin. He expressed gratitude for the experience, stating that it changed his approach to work. Nanjiani played the superhero Kingo in the 2021 film, which also featured Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Angelina Jolie. Despite the star-studded cast, the movie received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.
During the podcast, Nanjiani reflected on the lessons he learned from the film, emphasizing the importance of separating his personal experience from the outcome. He highlighted the value of learning from every job and approaching work with joy. Nanjiani acknowledged that he cannot control how a project is received but can control his own growth and development.
Nanjiani has been candid about his struggles with the negative reception of "Eternals," revealing that it prompted him to seek therapy. He discussed the challenges he faced, including the initial expectations of a multi-movie deal that did not materialize. Despite these setbacks, Nanjiani recently returned to stand-up comedy with his Hulu special "Night Thoughts."
In conclusion, Kumail Nanjiani's experience working on "Eternals" taught him valuable lessons about resilience, learning from failure, and finding joy in his work. Despite the challenges he faced, Nanjiani remains proud of his performance in the film and continues to grow as an actor and comedian.