Kumail Nanjiani recently opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured following the release of Marvel’s highly-anticipated film, Eternals. In a candid interview on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast, Nanjiani revealed that he had to seek counseling in order to cope with the negative reviews that the Chloé Zhao-directed film received. Despite having the time of his life working on the movie, the negative reception took a heavy toll on Nanjiani’s mental health.
Eternals, released in 2021, boasted an impressive ensemble cast including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, and Kit Harington, among others. With such star power and the backing of the Marvel franchise, optimism ran high for the film’s success. However, as the reviews started pouring in, it became evident that Eternals had not met the expectations set by both the studio and the actors involved.
Nanjiani confessed that he had unknowingly placed too much importance on external validation, relying on the opinions of others to shape his perception of his own work. The negative reception of Eternals shattered that fragile reliance, forcing him to confront his vulnerability. The actor lamented the fact that he had gauged his own worth based on the outcome of the film, and the disappointment he felt weighed heavily on him.
One particular aspect that exacerbated the emotional toll for Nanjiani was the premature hype surrounding Eternals. Marvel had anticipated a stellar response and, with this expectation in mind, lifted the embargo early and showcased the film at prestigious festivals. The cast was sent on a whirlwind global tour to promote the movie, only to be met with crushing reviews upon its release. Nanjiani described this experience as “really, really hard” as it dangerously combined the disappointment of unmet expectations with the pressures of public scrutiny.
Rising Above the Criticism: The Road to Recovery
The overwhelming negativity surrounding Eternals left Nanjiani in a vulnerable state, prompting him to seek professional help. The actor acknowledged the need for change and realized that he could no longer allow external perceptions to dictate his self-worth or influence the way he approached his work. Counseling became his pathway to healing and reclaiming his sense of self amidst the turbulence of criticism.
Nanjiani’s introspection serves as a valuable lesson not only for himself but for anyone who finds themselves grappling with the opinions of others. It is a reminder that true fulfillment and self-assessment should come from within, rather than being contingent upon external validation. The experience with Eternals has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Nanjiani, pushing him to redefine his relationship with success and criticism.
Kumail Nanjiani’s candid confession sheds light on the emotional toll that negative reviews can have on individuals in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-validation and the dangers of relying on external opinions for self-worth. Nanjiani’s journey towards healing and growth is an inspiration for artists and creatives to prioritize their own happiness and artistic integrity above the unpredictable fluctuations of public opinion.