Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film adaptation of the ancient Greek epic "The Odyssey" has premiered to widespread critical acclaim, despite significant online backlash concerning its casting choices. Critics have lauded the film as a cinematic triumph, with many praising its scale, production design, and performances.
Online discourse, however, has been marked by controversy surrounding the casting of Black actors Lupita Nyong'o and Zendaya, and transgender actor Elliot Page. These casting decisions have drawn criticism from some segments of the public, with the film's official X account reportedly restricting comments due to the intensity of the backlash.
Nolan's film features an all-star cast, with Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. Tom Holland plays their son, Telemachus, and Zendaya portrays the goddess Athena. Robert Pattinson stars as the suitor Antinous, while Charlize Theron and Samantha Morton play the goddesses Calypso and Circe, respectively. Jon Bernthal is cast as Menelaus, and Benny Safdie as Agamemnon.
Critics have highlighted the film's ambitious scope and visual execution. Erik Davis described "The Odyssey" as an "absolute triumph" and a "crowning cinematic achievement," noting that it "feels like everything Nolan has been working toward with IMAX has culminated here." He also commended the film's "horror" sequences for balancing unsettling moments with narrative humanity, and praised the ensemble cast for giving each actor a chance to shine, singling out Pattinson for particular acclaim.
Jazz Tangcay of Variety called the film "a work of art," stating that Nolan "has outdone himself" and that the passion in storytelling, craft, and acting is palpable. Andrew J. Salazar of Discussing Film singled out Samantha Morton's performance, suggesting her sequence might be the best of the film. Anne Thompson of IndieWire expressed that her high expectations were met, calling the film a "best picture contender to beat" and suggesting potential Oscar nominations for Damon and other supporting actors.
David Ehrlich, also of IndieWire, offered a slightly more tempered view, calling the film a "surprisingly natural" follow-up to Nolan's "Oppenheimer" but noting it was "too clunky to be S-tier Nolan," though the final act was deemed rewarding.
The online criticism has targeted specific casting choices. Lupita Nyong'o, who portrays Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, faced backlash, with figures like Elon Musk and conservative pundit Matt Walsh expressing opposition. Nyong'o has acknowledged that she was initially unfamiliar with "The Odyssey" but undertook a "crash course" in Greek mythology upon being cast.
Elliot Page, cast as Elpenor, a young crew member who dies after falling from a roof while drunk, also faced criticism. This reportedly stemmed from false rumors that he would play the warrior Achilles. Musk had previously called such a potential casting "one of the dumbest and twisted things I’ve ever heard." After the clarification of Page's role, Musk reposted a tweet critical of gender identity.
Nolan has defended his casting choices, particularly that of rapper Travis Scott as the bard. He explained that Scott's casting was intended to evoke the tradition of oral poetry, which he likened to rap music. Scott, who had not previously held a major acting role, was criticized by some as "stunt casting."