Kumail Nanjiani, widely recognized for his role in Marvel’s Eternals, recently opened up about the toll that negative reviews took on him. During his appearance on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast, Nanjiani revealed that he had to seek counseling to cope with the aftermath of the backlash the film received. Despite thoroughly enjoying the experience of working on the movie, the negative reception triggered a deep emotional struggle for the actor. This revelation highlights the weight of external opinions on actors and their mental well-being.
Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao and boasting a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, and Kit Harington, was highly anticipated upon its release in 2021. However, to Nanjiani’s dismay, the film garnered only a 47% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reflecting on the situation, Nanjiani expressed how difficult it was for him to endure such disappointing reviews. He shared that Marvel had high expectations for the movie, evident from their decision to lift the embargo early and showcase it at prestigious film festivals. As a result, Nanjiani embarked on a global promotional tour right after the embargo was lifted, only to face a flood of negative criticism. The disparity between Marvel’s anticipation and the actual reception left Nanjiani feeling incredibly disheartened.
The barrage of negative reviews took a significant toll on Nanjiani’s mental health, leading him to a breaking point. In an attempt to understand and navigate his emotional turmoil, the actor sought professional counseling. Nanjiani acknowledged that he had been overly reliant on external validation, emphasizing that this unhealthy mindset needed to change. The overwhelming impact of criticism not only affected him but also his wife, Emily. This revelation serves as a wake-up call for Nanjiani and, by extension, for the entertainment industry as a whole.
Nanjiani’s realization signifies a need for artists to detach themselves from the opinion of others and focus on the joy and fulfillment derived from the creative process itself. As an actor, Nanjiani recognized that his self-worth and evaluation of his work had become too entangled with external reception. This experience has urged him to recalibrate his mindset and approach his craft with a renewed sense of purpose.
Kumail Nanjiani’s journey through Eternals highlights the precarious position actors find themselves in when it comes to external validation. The impact of negative reviews on his mental health underscores the need for individuals in the entertainment industry to prioritize their well-being and separate their self-worth from critical opinions. This poignant revelation serves as a reminder that artistic fulfillment lies not in the judgment of others, but in the personal joy of creation. Nanjiani’s decision to seek counseling marks a pivotal moment in his career, where he strives to redefine the parameters by which he measures his success and finds solace in the transformative power of self-reflection.
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