Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o has responded to far-right criticism of her role in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey. In the big-budget film, set for release in July, Nyong'o plays Helen of Troy alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya.
In a new interview with Elle, the 12 Years a Slave actor addressed criticisms from figures such as Elon Musk, who accused Nolan of making a "DEI" hire to win awards. Musk, a disgraced tech billionaire, targeted the casting of a Black actor in a mythical role. Nolan's previous film Oppenheimer, with a predominantly white cast, won seven Oscars, 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, Jimmy Kimmel ridiculed Musk, telling him to "stay in your lane." Alec Baldwin also defended Nyong'o on Instagram, writing: "Dear Elon … but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world." On The View, Whoopi Goldberg criticized Musk, saying: "You don't have to actually go to the movie. 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."
Nyong'o, whose post-Oscar films include Us, Black Panther, The Wild Robot, and A Quiet Place: Day One, noted that most roles offered after her win were enslaved women, calling it "disappointing, but not surprising." She added: "I can't spend my time thinking about all the people who still don't love me. 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, will be released on 17 July.
