Renowned British filmmaker Christopher Nolan is facing significant backlash concerning his upcoming project, an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, "The Odyssey," composed nearly 2,800 years ago. The controversy, reported by Al Jazeera and other international outlets, erupted even before production began, centering on casting decisions, questions of historical authenticity, and who holds the right to retell foundational stories.
The primary point of contention is Nolan`s announcement that Oscar-winning Black actress Lupita Nyong’o will play the character of Helen of Troy. In Homer’s original texts, Helen is described using epithets such as "white-armed" and "godlike." This casting choice has drawn criticism from those who view it as a departure from the source material and an example of excessive political correctness, or "wokeness," in casting.
The backlash quickly spilled into political discourse, with X owner Elon Musk accusing the director of "pissing on Homer’s grave" and labeling him an "anti-White racist." Musk further suggested on the platform that Nolan`s decision was motivated by awards-season politics and the inclusion standards set by the Oscars. Additionally, right-wing commentator Matt Walsh questioned whether anyone on the planet genuinely considers Lupita Nyong’o "the most beautiful woman in the world," referring to Helen`s reputation in later mythology.
Classical scholars, however, have pointed out that this argument is based on a misconception. Homer never explicitly calls Helen "the most beautiful woman in the world" in either the Iliad or the Odyssey. Instead, he uses recurring epithets like "white-armed," "lovely-haired," "daughter of Zeus," and "godlike." The specific idea that Helen was the most beautiful woman became firmly established in later Greek mythology, notably in the story of the Judgement of Paris.
Defenders of Nolan`s choice, such as American author and classical scholar Daniel Mendelsohn, argue that complaints about authenticity regarding mythological figures are "silly." Mendelsohn noted that Helen, after all, was said to be hatched from a swan’s egg, making literal interpretations difficult. He also pointed out that American actor Matt Damon, who does not look Greek, starred in the film Troy without sparking a similar controversy.
Other casting choices have also drawn scrutiny. The selection of transgender man Elliot Page (formerly Ellen Page) for a role in the movie led to rumors that he was being considered for the mythological hero Achilles, although he was ultimately cast as a Greek soldier. Far-right network Newsmax anchor Rob Finnerty publicly complained about the shift from actors like Brad Pitt to Page, citing Page`s physical stature. Furthermore, some viewers questioned Nolan`s decision to cast rapper Travis Scott as a bard, though the director explained it as a "nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap."
Beyond casting, the production`s aesthetic choices have faced criticism online. Some viewers noted that the armor worn by Agamemnon resembled Batman’s costume, while Odysseus’s vessel appeared to be a "Viking ship" rather than a Greek galley. Scholars, again, countered these historical critiques by emphasizing that The Odyssey is a mythological work, not a historical treatise. Even the dialogue came under scrutiny, with some viewers reacting negatively to Tom Holland’s line, "My dad is coming home," finding the tone too casual and modern for an epic conversation.
The casting choices also provoked unhappiness within Greece, where some feel marginalized by Hollywood`s repeated exclusion of Greek actors from their own foundational mythologies. British-Greek journalist Chris Cotonou wrote that Greeks have been "left out by Hollywood, again and with no explanation," arguing that including people authentically connected to the source material should be obvious in a multicultural industry. However, Hollywood`s history of hiring Greek actors is poor, and Homer’s work has been reimagined for centuries across countless cultures and artistic traditions, making reinterpretation a core part of the epic’s legacy.
