Lupita Nyong’o has defended her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” dismissing racist backlash and saying the film’s cast “is representative of the world,” per variety.com.
Nyong’o plays the Greek mythological figure, traditionally described as the most beautiful woman in the world and blamed for starting the Trojan War. Her casting prompted criticism online. Commentator Matt Walsh said Nolan was a “coward” for not choosing a white actor, while Elon Musk claimed the director cast Nyong’o because he “wants the awards”.
Speaking to Elle, Nyong’o rejected the criticism. “This is a mythological story,” she said. “I’m very supportive of Chris’ 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 defence. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.”
On Helen’s famed beauty, Nyong’o said her focus was on character rather than appearance. “You can’t perform beauty,” she said. “I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks? The investigation starts with the pages you’re given. That’s what I based it on.”
The Odyssey is directed by Christopher Nolan and adapts Homer’s epic poem. Nyong’o joins a cast that includes Travis Scott and Elliot Page, both of whom have also faced online abuse. Nyong’o said the film’s diversity reflects its scale: “It spans worlds. So that’s why the cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time.”
No release date for the film has been confirmed.
•Featured image: Lupita Nyong’o/Getty Images for The Museum of M
