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Nyong'o responds to criticism over mythological role
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o has addressed backlash over her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, emphasizing the story's mythological roots.
The casting controversy
Nyong'o will portray Helen, the figure from ancient Greek legend whose beauty sparked the Trojan War. The announcement last week triggered a heated debate, with critics-including Elon Musk-arguing the role should not go to a Black actress in a foundational work of European literature.
Musk, owner of X, called Nolan's decision an insult to Greek people, writing, "Casting a Black woman to play a White woman in a foundational work of European literature is no more right than casting a White man to play Shaka Zulu." He later doubled down, labeling Nolan an "anti-White racist."
Nyong'o's stance
In an interview with Elle, Nyong'o dismissed the criticism, stating, "I'm very supportive of Chris's intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling. Our cast is representative of the world."
"I'm not spending my time thinking of a defence. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not."
Lupita Nyong'o
She highlighted the film's epic scope, noting, "It's quite something to be a part of The Odyssey, because it is so grand. It spans worlds. So that's why the cast is what it is. We're occupying the epic narrative of our time."
Nolan's vision and film details
Nolan, who has not publicly responded to the backlash, is directing and writing this new interpretation of Homer's epic poem. The filmmaker, known for Oppenheimer (which won two Oscars in 2024), Dunkirk, and Inception, has assembled a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.
The film is set for release in the US and UK on 17 July.
Nyong'o's career
Nyong'o, who won an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave in 2014, has also appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Black Panther. Her role in The Odyssey marks another high-profile project in her filmography.
