Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o is not letting online hate ruin her experience playing Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming movie The Odyssey. After facing racist comments about her casting, the 43-year-old star says she has no time to fight with people who dislike the choice.
Since Universal Pictures announced the film’s star-packed cast, social media has been full of heated debates. Critics like political commentator Matt Walsh and billionaire Elon Musk have openly attacked Nolan’s decision to cast a Black woman as the famous Greek figure known as “the face that launched 1,000 ships.”
Lupita Nyong’o Responds to Helen of Troy Casting Backlash
In a recent talk with Elle magazine, Nyong’o gave a calm but clear answer to the people upset about her role. She chose to focus on the bigger picture of the movie rather than argue with each critic.
“This is a mythological story,” Nyong’o said. “I’m very supportive of Chris’ intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling. Our cast is representative of the world” .
She made it clear that she does not plan to spend her energy defending her place in the movie.
“I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.” – Lupita Nyong’o to Elle magazine
The Black Panther star said she feels honored to be part of such a huge project. She pointed out that the story of The Odyssey covers many different worlds, so the cast should look like the real world does.
Elon Musk and Matt Walsh Lead Online Criticism
The backlash grew louder after right-wing commentator Matt Walsh posted angry comments on X about Nyong’o’s casting. Walsh wrote that “not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong’o is ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’”. He called Nolan “a coward” for not giving the role to a white actress.
Elon Musk, who owns X, quickly agreed with Walsh. Musk replied “True” to the post. He later wrote that Nolan “has grossly insulted the Greek people”.
In another post, Musk compared the situation to casting a white man to play the famous African leader Shaka Zulu. He said Nolan is an “anti-White racist”.
Christopher Nolan Defends His Casting Decision
The director of Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight trilogy also spoke to Elle about why he chose Nyong’o for Helen of Troy. Nolan said her personal strength was the main reason.
“The strength and the poise were so important to the character of Helen. And Lupita makes it look effortless,” Nolan explained.
He praised her acting skills and said he was “absolutely desperate for her to do the part.” Nolan believes her ability to show deep emotions while keeping a calm surface is what Helen of Troy needs.
‘You Can’t Perform Beauty’: Nyong’o on Playing Helen of Troy
When asked about playing a character famous for being the most beautiful woman in the world, Nyong’o had a thoughtful answer. She said an actor cannot simply act “beautiful” and call it a day.
“You can’t perform beauty,” Nyong’o said. “I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks?”
She explained that working with a writer like Nolan makes her job easier because everything she needs is already in the script.
“The investigation starts with the pages you’re given. That’s what I based it on,” she said.
The actress also shared a personal rule she follows to stay happy in Hollywood. She said she cannot waste time “thinking about all the people who still don’t love me.” Instead, she said, “You’ll find the representatives who believe in you, and you’ll get on with it. I want to believe I’m built to last”.
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Other Cast Members Also Face Online Attacks
Nyong’o is not the only Odyssey cast member getting hate online. Rapper Travis Scott, who has a role in the film, has faced racist remarks. Actor Elliot Page has also received transphobic comments from social media users .
The film brings together one of the biggest casts in recent memory. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the king of Ithaca trying to return home after the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway plays his wife Penelope .
Other famous names in the movie include Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. The movie is set to hit theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
What ‘The Odyssey’ Is About
The Odyssey is based on the ancient Greek epic poem written by Homer. The story follows Odysseus on his dangerous 10-year journey home after fighting in the Trojan War. Along the way, he meets monsters, gods, and magical beings.
Helen of Troy is the woman whose escape to Troy with Prince Paris started the whole war. In the old stories, she is described as the daughter of Zeus and the most beautiful woman alive.
Nyong’o will also play Clytemnestra, Helen’s sister, in the movie . The film will be released by Universal Pictures in standard theaters and IMAX locations.
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