Lupita Nyong'o responds to rightwing criticism of The Odyssey: Our cast is representative of the world'

Lupita Nyong'o responded to far-right criticism about her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. The film, releasing in July, features a large ensemble including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. Nyong'o said she supports Nolan’s intention and the version of the story being told, emphasizing that the cast represents the world. She stated she is not spending time defending herself and that criticism will exist regardless of engagement. She also noted that after her Oscar win, many roles offered to her were enslaved women, which she found disappointing but not surprising.

"Nyong'o was asked about criticisms that have emerged from figures such as Elon Musk over a Black actor playing a mythical character. The disgraced tech billionaire accused Nolan of making a DEI hire because he wants awards. Nolan's last film Oppenheimer, with a majority white cast, won seven Oscars including best picture. This is a mythological story, Nyong'o said before saying: 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 defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not."

"She later added: 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. Earlier this week, Jimmy Kimmel ridiculed Musk for his comments, telling him to stay in your lane, while Alec Baldwin also came to Nyong'o's defence, writing on Instagram: Dear Elon but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world."

"On The View, Whoopi Goldberg also criticised Musk. You don't have to actually go to the movie, she said. I don't know why you feel like you need to speak on this, and I would suggest looking in a mirror if you have any concerns about people's looks, if this is where we're going. Nyong'o, whose post-Oscar films have included hits such as Us, Black Panther, The Wild Robot and A Quiet Place: Day One, also noted in the interview that the majority of roles she was offered after her win were enslaved women, something she calls disappointing, but not surprising."

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