Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film "The Odyssey" has faced significant backlash from some conservative critics who labeled its diverse casting as "woke." However, new details reveal that several of the most criticized actors have only brief appearances in the nearly three-hour-long epic.
Zendaya, who plays the goddess Athena, reportedly has approximately two minutes of screen time. Similarly, rapper Travis Scott's presence is estimated to be around the same duration. Lupita Nyong'o appears for about three minutes, and Elliot Page, whose casting drew considerable controversy, is on screen for approximately five minutes.
In contrast, Matt Damon, who portrays Odysseus, features prominently in around 46 scenes. Tom Holland, playing Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway, as Penelope, are among the most featured actors in the film.
The initial reaction to the cast, which also included Zendaya and Nyong'o, sparked outrage among some conservative commentators, including Megyn Kelly and Matt Walsh, with Elon Musk accusing Nolan of "desecrating" the work of Homer.
The official X account for "The Odyssey" was reportedly forced to restrict comments due to complaints and racist remarks concerning the cast. Media outlets such as NowThis and YouTubers like Natalie Wynn have commented on the disconnect between the conservative outcry and the film's actual content, with some pointing out the irony of demanding historical accuracy from a myth featuring giants, witches, and a cyclops.
Despite the pre-release controversy, "The Odyssey" has received strong reviews. The film achieved a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience scores surpassing those of critics. Reviewers have praised the film as a "glorious cinematic experience" and a "watershed moment for filmmaking."
The ensemble cast also includes Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Samantha Morton as Circe, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, and Benny Safdie as Agamemnon. Nolan's adaptation of Homer's epic poem has been in development for years.