Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has sparked major debate online after Black actress Lupita Nyong’o was cast as Helen of Troy in the reimagined adaptation of Homer’s epic.
The movie, currently being filmed in Greece and set for release this July, reportedly received more than €6 million in funding.
The casting decision has triggered criticism from some commentators in Greece and internationally.
Star Channel editor-in-chief Ilias Papanikolaou questioned how the script and casting were approved, asking whether authorities reviewed the production before filming permits were granted for locations including Acrocorinth, Pylos, and Methoni.
The backlash has also drawn comparisons to the controversy surrounding Netflix’s 2023 Queen Cleopatra series.
Reports further claim billionaire Elon Musk joined the criticism by resharing a video discussing the casting choice.
The discussion also comes amid the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ representation and inclusion standards introduced in 2024 for Best Picture eligibility.
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