The official X account for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of "The Odyssey" has restricted comments on its posts, a move that follows a wave of backlash from a segment of fans concerning the film's casting decisions.
Criticism has specifically targeted the inclusion of Black performers Lupita Nyong'o and Zendaya, as well as rapper Travis Scott, in roles within the adaptation of the ancient Greek epic. The casting of Scott, who has no prior major acting roles, has been described by some as stunt casting. Trans actor Elliot Page has also faced criticism for his role as Elpenor, a minor character who dies after falling from a roof while intoxicated.
Casting Decisions Spark Controversy
The film, which premiered in London on Monday and is scheduled for a US and UK theatrical release on July 17, features an all-star cast. Matt Damon is set to play Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope. Tom Holland will portray their son Telemachus, and Zendaya will play the goddess Athena. Robert Pattinson is cast as Antinous, a suitor to Penelope, while Charlize Theron will portray the goddess Calypso.
Lupita Nyong'o is cast in dual roles as Helen of Troy, whose abduction by Paris precipitated the Trojan War, and her sister Clytemnestra. Her casting as Helen, a figure often described as the most beautiful woman, drew particular attention. Conservative pundit Matt Walsh questioned Nyong'o's suitability for the role, suggesting director Nolan cast her to avoid accusations of racism. Elon Musk, owner of X, publicly agreed with Walsh's sentiment, a stance that prompted pushback from figures like Alec Baldwin and Jimmy Kimmel.
Nyong'o herself acknowledged in an interview with Elle that she was initially unfamiliar with "The Odyssey" when first approached for the project, undertaking a "crash course" to familiarize herself with the epic poem.
Backlash and Public Figures
Elliot Page's casting also generated controversy, fueled by false rumors that he would play the warrior Achilles. Musk commented on these rumors, calling the potential casting choice "one of the dumbest and twisted things I’ve ever heard." Page's actual role as Elpenor, a crew member who dies in the narrative, later emerged.
Nolan has defended his casting choices, particularly Travis Scott's. In an interview with Time, Nolan explained that casting the rapper was intended to evoke the idea of the story being passed down through oral tradition, drawing an analogy to rap music. "I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan stated.