From Fear to Friendship: Lupita Nyong'o Overcomes Cat Phobia on Set of A Quiet Place: Day One

In the film A Quiet Place: Day One, one of the standout performers is a cat named Frodo, brought to life by two trained cats, Schnitzel and Nico. Initially apprehensive about working with cats, Lupita Nyong'o, who stars in the film, found herself transformed by the experience, ultimately adopting a feline friend of her own.

Director Michael Sarnoski, in an interview with Variety, explained the inclusion of a cat in the film. He noted that cats, naturally quiet and stealthy, would adapt well to a world where silence is key to survival. Trained as a service animal, Frodo's obedience was crucial, and Sarnoski suggested that cats would quickly adjust to the post-apocalyptic environment, reducing their meowing as it primarily serves as a means of communication with humans.

"In the apocalypse, with fewer people around, there's not much need for a cat to meow... Cats are predators, they can move very silently. When a cat saw these creatures, they’d think, ‘I get you, I’ll keep it down,’" he remarked.

Behind the scenes, Schnitzel and Nico formed a close bond, making the filming process smoother. However, Nyong'o faced a significant challenge due to her lifelong fear of cats. Initially, she even attempted to persuade Sarnoski to choose a different animal for the role. Given the necessity of a cat for the storyline, Nyong'o committed to "extensive exposure therapy" to overcome her phobia, allowing her to take on the role.

Paramount provided a cat trainer to help her acclimate before production began, addressing her fears through gradual exposure and education. Nyong'o recounted, "Paramount was kind enough to hire a cat trainer to help me get over my fear... Very slowly, I was able to grow with courage and touch them, and before long, I could hold them."

The therapy proved successful, and by the end of filming, Nyong'o had formed a strong bond with Schnitzel and Nico. Her newfound comfort with cats led her to adopt one of her own, a cat named Yoyo. She recently shared a photo of herself with Yoyo on social media, celebrating her "new best friend."

Nyong'o's journey from fear to friendship with cats adds a heartwarming layer to the production of A Quiet Place: Day One, demonstrating the profound impact animals can have on overcoming personal challenges.