'The Gods Must Be Crazy II' Child Star Leonora Jacobs Says She Was Never Paid for Role

• Leonora Jacobs, who played a child in the 1989 film The Gods Must Be Crazy II, revealed she filmed the movie at just five years old
• Now 42, Jacobs claims she was promised payment when she turned 21 but has received nothing to date for her role in the iconic film
• The video also stunned fans who had no idea the child character in the beloved film was actually a girl

A woman who appeared as a child in the beloved African film The Gods Must Be Crazy II has come forward to reveal she has never received payment for her role, nearly four decades after the movie was made.

In a close-up selfie-style interview shared by Mwananchi Scoop on Instagram on 24 September 2026, Leonora Jacobs calmly but candidly recounted her experience on set and the financial promise that was never honoured.

Leonora Jacobs speaks out about film promises

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Jacobs, who says she is from Kipansuok, explained that she was only five years old when she filmed her scenes for the 1985 production. Now 42, she recalled one of her most memorable moments on set — running 100 metres up a mountain while a live hyena was released behind her.

"They bring a hyena, and they put the hyena behind the stone, and I must run 100 metres," she said, adding that the crew had swapped out a faster hyena for a slower one before her run. The revelation highlighted just how real the danger was for a child performer at the time, with no special effects involved.

Jacobs says she was told she would receive something when she turned 21, but that deadline came and went without any payment. "I think I must get something for the role when I'm playing. But even though I didn't get nothing, I get nothing until now," she said.

Fans react to revelation bout the iconic film

Beyond the payment controversy, the video sparked a wave of surprise from fans who had always assumed the child character was a boy. The reactions below capture the mix of nostalgia, shock, and calls for justice:

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@gimbi_ogo: "I never knew the kid was a girl until today ... 😂😂😂"

@adamchomvu: "I thought was a boy ....😮"

@rubbychyna: "She's still cute 😍"

@attey9446: "I hope he gets paid. She's played a part in most of our childhood memories 👏👏👏👏👏🙌🙌"

@thecoolestcoco_na: "So sad. I hope you get your money sis wami. 🙌 great movie. Legendary"

@shaddy_mlish: "Justice for Leonora Jacobs..💯💫☝️🙏🫡..🇰🇪🇰🇪 As Kenyans from the capital of Africa! We are taking up this matter. Please, anyone, share her contact 🤔"

@adrian_theophilus: "Imagine back in the day there were no special effects. You expose a child to Real hyenas and no pay? Nah, they should pay her. Or maybe someone should start a GoFundMe coz that movie made our childhood!"

@jonn_wcc: "'Daddy !!! matisa ti'pa' I still remember when they reunited with their father 😂❤️❤️"

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Source: Briefly News