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, set for release in July, Nyong'o portrays Helen of Troy alongside a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya.
Nyong'o's Response to Criticism
In a new interview with Elle, Nyong'o addressed criticisms from figures such as Elon Musk, who accused Nolan of making a "DEI" hire to win awards. Musk's comments followed the success of Nolan's previous film, Oppenheimer, which won seven Oscars including Best Picture with a predominantly white cast.
"This is a mythological story," Nyong'o said. "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 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."
Support from Fellow Celebrities
Earlier this week, Jimmy Kimmel ridiculed Musk for his comments, telling him to "stay in your lane." Alec Baldwin also came to Nyong'o's defense, writing on Instagram: "Dear Elon … but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world." On The View, Whoopi Goldberg criticized Musk, saying: "You don't have to actually go to the movie. 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's Career Reflections
Nyong'o, whose post-Oscar films include 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."
She added: "I can't spend my time thinking about all the people who still don't love me. 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."
The Odyssey, with a reported budget of $250 million, will be released on July 17.
