Lupita Nyong’o responds to casting criticism in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: “You Can’t Perform Beauty”
Nyong’o emphasizes character over appearance in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of ‘The Odyssey’ is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 17, 2026. The film, which adapts Homer’s mythological epic, features an ensemble cast portraying some of the most recognizable figures in Greek mythology. Among them is Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who has been cast as Helen of Troy.
In a recent profile with Elle, Nyong’o addressed the backlash that followed her casting, particularly criticism from online commentators who objected to a Black actress portraying a character traditionally described in myth as “the most beautiful woman in the world.” Nyong’o framed the criticism as misplaced, emphasizing that ‘The Odyssey’ is a work of mythology rather than a historical document. Rather than engaging directly with the backlash, Nyong’o made clear that she does not see value in responding to every instance of online outrage, explaining that such criticism persists regardless of whether it is acknowledged.
Looking beyond the myth of beauty
“I’m very supportive of Chris’s intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling,” Nyong’o said. “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. … 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. … I was so deeply honored to be entrusted with the role.”
“You can’t perform beauty,” she said. “I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks? That’s the thing about doing such a well-known text, which has been studied and interpreted and derived from. The research could be endless. The good thing about working with a writer like Chris is that it’s on the page. The investigation starts with the pages you’re given. That’s what I based it on.”
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Additional details about the film continue to emerge. IMAX and AMC Theatres have confirmed that ‘The Odyssey’ will have a runtime of 2 hours and 53 minutes, placing it among Nolan’s longest films to date.
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