Lupita Nyong’o defends ‘The Odyssey’ cast diversity against criticism

Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o has pushed back against far-right criticism of her role in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” asserting that the film’s cast reflects the diversity of the modern world.

In the big-budget film, scheduled for release in July, Nyong’o portrays Helen of Troy alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya.

In an interview with Elle magazine, the “12 Years a Slave” star addressed criticisms from figures such as Elon Musk, who accused Nolan of making a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) hire in pursuit of awards. Musk has been widely criticized for his remarks.

Nolan’s previous film “Oppenheimer,” which featured a predominantly white cast, won seven Academy Awards, including best picture.

“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.”

Earlier this week, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel ridiculed Musk over his comments, telling him to “stay in your lane.” Actor Alec Baldwin also defended Nyong’o on Instagram, writing, “Dear Elon … but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world.”

On ABC’s “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg also criticized Musk. “You don’t have to actually go to the movie,” she said. “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, whose post-Oscar films include hits such as “Us,” “Black Panther,” “The Wild Robot,” and “A Quiet Place: Day One,” noted in the interview that the majority of roles she was offered after her win were enslaved women—a pattern she described as “disappointing, but not surprising.”

“I can’t spend my time thinking about all the people who still don’t love me,” 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.”

“The Odyssey,” with a reported budget of $250 million, is set for release on July 17.