Christopher Nolan’s new pharaonic project. “Odyssey”will be released in cinemas this Wednesday July 15th in France. But the film, which brings back the epic story of Ulysses, has been facing a wave of criticism for months. We are talking about the decision to entrust the role of Helen of Troy to the actress of Mexican-Kenyan origin Lupita Nyong’o.
In the Homeric myth, Helen is described as the most beautiful woman in the world, the one whose face expressed “a thousand ships” and started the Trojan War. For some, like X’s boss Elon Musk, a black actress simply couldn’t pull off the character.
Elon Musk led the scandal
Elon Musk has established himself as the most vocal representative of this protest. On his social network, he accused Christopher Nolan of “Homer’s desecrated grave” and succumb to what he calls “lie DEI”regarding diversity, equality and inclusion policies. He went so far as to call himself director “anti-white racist”Euronews reports this.
Elon Musk also relayed comments from conservative essayist Matt Wash, who argued that no sane person believes Lupita Nyong’o “the most beautiful woman in the world”and that Nolan caved in out of cowardice to avoid accusations of racism by giving the role to a white actress.
For her part, Lupita Nyong’o brushed off the criticism. Interview with the American version of the magazine Elleshe chose not to engage in the logic of defense in the face of disagreement. “Our cast represents the world. I’m not going to waste time thinking about protecting him. The criticism will exist whether I oppose it or not,” she said.
She recalled that it was primarily a mythological story, but also applauded the diversity of the film’s cast, which she called representative of the world.
The 43-year-old actress spoke about this after receiving an Oscar for the film. “Twelve Years a Slave” She was offered many similar roles for the role of Patsy. “It was disappointing, but not surprising.” she says because the racial element is obvious in Hollywood, but it shows a larger problem. “This is an industry where money rules art. But business has no imagination. When The Sinners (by Ryan Coogler) comes out, every studio will want to make a vampire movie. Lack of imagination exists no matter what you do, and is exacerbated by the racist component.”
Helen of Troy is a mythological character, not a attested historical figure. Therefore, there is no actual data about him. “true” skin color, she never existed as a real person. In particular, this argument is used by Nyong’o supporters such as Kimmy Kimmel (actor, comedian, producer and television host).
Christopher Nolan also defended his casting, ensuring that the actress was his first choice to play Helen, who was praised for her presence and ease in the role.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph, Nolan said that the negative reaction “are part of the game”adding: “These conversations that happen before people see the film are always in vain because no one who has them yet knows what the film actually is.”
Lupita Nyong’o is not the only one who has become a victim: rapper Travis Scott, who also participated in the casting, was the target of similar racist remarks, reports Euronews.
Recurring Debate in Hollywood
The controversy is part of a series of similar controversies aimed at adapting fiction or mythology played by non-white actors in recent years. “Snow White” has “The Little Mermaid”.
There have been voices in support of the actress, such as actor Alec Baldwin, who directly responded to Elon Musk on social media to praise Lupita Nyong’o’s beauty.
Despite the contradictions, “Odyssey” has already filled IMAX theaters in ANDUSA is ahead of its release and remains one of the most anticipated films of the summer.