Lupita Nyong’o has spoken out against the wave of racist trolling—including from Elon Musk—following her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey. The 43-year-old Oscar-winning actress joins a star-studded ensemble cast for the adaptation of Homer’s epic, with Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya as Athena, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous.
Greek Mythology and the Role of Helen of Troy
In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy is renowned as the “face that launched a thousand ships” after she fled her Spartan husband Menelaus with the Trojan prince Paris, sparking the Trojan War. Described as the most beautiful woman in the world by Aphrodite, the character has been portrayed by many actresses over the years. Nyong’o’s casting has drawn racist vitriol from some quarters, notably from right-wing billionaire Elon Musk, who agreed with commentator Matt Walsh that Nolan was a “coward” for not casting a white woman. Musk called the director an “anti-White racist” and claimed he had “grossly insulted the Greek people.”
Nyong’o’s Response
In an interview with Elle, Nyong’o addressed the backlash. “This is a mythological story,” she said. “I’m deeply honoured to land the role, and 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.”
Nyong’o also emphasized that portraying Helen goes beyond beauty. “It’s about unravelling the layers within,” she said, noting that later Greek literature, such as Euripides’ plays, explores the character’s complexity—including a version where the real Helen is hidden in Egypt.
Nolan’s Defense of the Casting
Director Christopher Nolan explained his decision, saying, “The strength and the poise were so important to the character of Helen. And Lupita makes it look effortless.” He added that he was “desperate for her to do the part” and called her an “incredible person to work with.”
Broader Controversy
The film has also faced scrutiny over its Americanisation, particularly through dialogue, after the release of its trailer. Despite the controversy, The Odyssey is tipped to be one of the biggest movies of the year, adapting one of the most iconic stories ever told. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on July 17, 2026.
