Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o has responded to far-right criticism of her role in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, defending the film's diverse casting as representative of the world.
In an interview with Elle, Nyong'o addressed attacks from figures including Elon Musk, who accused Nolan of making a 'DEI' hire for awards. 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.'
The actor, who plays Helen of Troy in the big-budget film alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya, 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.'
Nyong'o also noted that after her Oscar win for 12 Years a Slave, most roles offered to her were enslaved women, calling it 'disappointing, but not surprising'. She said: '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.'
The Odyssey, with a reported budget of $250 million, is set for release on 17 July.
