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

[Coventina]

Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o has responded to far-right criticism of her role in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.

In the big-budget film, out in July, the star plays Helen of Troy alongside cast members including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya.

In a new interview with Elle, the 12 Years a Slave actor 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.”

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/may/21/lupita-nyongo-responds-rightwing-odyssey-criticism

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Repeat after me: These are FICTIONAL CHARACTERS