Outrage Over Casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in the “Odyssey”

Lupita Nyong’o arsenic Helen of Troy successful Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Still from promotional trailer

A “tsunami” of backlash has erupted pursuing manager Christopher Nolan’s determination to formed Black histrion Lupita Nyong’o arsenic Helen of Troy. The Hollywood manager has taken a “reimagined” attack to Homer’s epics successful his movie The Odyssey, which was filmed successful Greece and is acceptable to premiere this July.

The film, which appears to prioritize Hollywood’s diverseness mandates implicit the humanities and literate discourse of the Homeric epics, received implicit €6 cardinal ($6.9 million) successful Greek authorities funding. According to Star Channel’s editor-in-chief, Ilias Papanikolaou, Nolan volition cod upwards of €6.5 cardinal ($7.5 million) successful payer wealth for what Papanikolaou describes arsenic a “falsification” of a planetary literate treasure.

The backing decision, precocious published connected the “Diavgeia” transparency portal, has raised superior concerns. “Who vetted the publication and the cast?” Papanikolaou asked. “Did nary 1 question seeing a celebrated Black histrion similar Lupita Nyong’o successful the credits? The determination was an amendment, meaning they reviewed the record successful depth. Even if we presume they missed it, did they not spot the property reports? Nolan filmed successful Acrocorinth, Pylos, and Methoni—who granted those permits without checking the script?”

The Odyssey follows contention implicit Netflix’s Cleopatra

This backlash mirrors the planetary outcry surrounding the 2023 Netflix docudrama Queen Cleopatra in which the depiction of the Greek queen of Egypt arsenic Black sparked ineligible threats successful Egypt and accusations of “historical revisionism.” Critics reason that similar the Cleopatra case, Nolan’s casting ignores the Hellenistic roots of these humanities and mythological figures.

Even Elon Musk joined the nationalist outcry targeting the casting of Academy Award victor Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. Musk suggested the determination was a cynical drawback for accolades, stating Nolan chose her simply due to the fact that helium “wants the awards.”

In 1 peculiarly provocative post, Musk retweeted a video of a pastor dancing successful religion with the caption: “Christopher Nolan peeing connected Homer’s grave.”

The caller Oscar inclusion standards

The contention comes arsenic the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences implements its 2024 practice and inclusion standards. These criteria necessitate films to diagnostic actors from underrepresented groups, including those of African descent, to beryllium eligible for Best Picture nominations.