Lupita Nyong'o has responded to far-right criticism of her role in Christopher Nolan's forthcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, after Elon Musk accused the director of a “DEI” hire. The Oscar-winning actor, who plays Helen of Troy, told Elle magazine: “Our cast is representative of the world.”
Musk’s comments were echoed by other right-wing figures, but Nyong'o dismissed the backlash, saying: “I’m not spending my time thinking of a defence. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.” Nolan’s previous film Oppenheimer had a predominantly white cast and won seven Oscars.
Jimmy Kimmel, Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg have all defended Nyong'o. Kimmel told Musk to “stay in your lane”, while Baldwin called Nyong'o “the most beautiful woman in the world”. Goldberg suggested Musk look in a mirror if he had concerns about appearances.
Nyong'o also reflected on the limited roles offered after her Oscar win for 12 Years a Slave, saying it was “disappointing, but not surprising” that most were enslaved women. She added: “I can’t spend my time thinking about all the people who still don’t love me.”
The Odyssey, with a reported budget of $250m, is set for release on 17 July, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya.
