Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has responded to criticism surrounding her casting in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of «The Odyssey,» Euronews reported.
Nyong’o is set to portray Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra in the film, which also stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya. The movie, based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, is scheduled for release on July 17.
The casting sparked an online debate earlier this year, with some social media users questioning the decision to cast a Black actress as Helen of Troy. Among the harshest critics was Elon Musk, who posted multiple comments on X accusing Nolan of misrepresenting the ancient Greek story.
Chris Nolan desecrated the Odyssey so that he would be eligible for an Academy Award …
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 15, 2026
Nyong’o, however, dismissed the criticism, describing the story as «mythological» and expressing support for Nolan’s vision for the film.
«Our cast is representative of the world,» she said in an interview with Elle magazine, adding that she did not intend to spend time defending the casting decisions.
Nolan also defended the choice, telling Elle that Nyong’o was his first choice for the role because of the «strength and poise» she brings to the character.
Actor Alec Baldwin later defended Nyong’o on Instagram, calling her «the most beautiful woman in the world.»
Earlier this year, media outlets reported that HBO strengthened backstage security for its new «Harry Potter» series after actor Paapa Essiedu reportedly received threats over his casting as Severus Snape, a character some fans believe should be portrayed by a white actor.
