Lupita Nyong’o is an Academy Award-winning actress, best known for her acclaimed roles in films such as ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Us’, ‘Black Panther’ and several ‘Star Wars’ films. The talented performer has built a reputation for delivering powerful and nuanced performances across diverse projects.
Now she’s addressing the racist backlash surrounding her casting as Helen of Troy in the upcoming film adaptation of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”In an interview published Thursday in Elle magazine, Lupita Nyong’o responded to racist criticism over her casting in the iconic role of Helen of Troy in The Odyssey. She says her position is clear and straightforward: “This is a legendary story.” “I wholeheartedly support Chris’ intent with it and the version of this story he’s telling.
Our crew represents the world. I don’t spend my time thinking about defence.
Criticism will be there whether you deal with it or not.”
Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy
In the interview, the Oscar winner explains her philosophy for playing the character described as the most beautiful woman in Greece in the story based on the ancient Greek poem Homer. “You can’t do beauty,” Nyong’o says. “I want to know who the character is.” “What is beyond beauty? What is beyond appearance? This is the thing about the work of such a well-known text, which has been studied, interpreted and drawn from.
The search can be endless.
The good thing about working with a writer like Chris is that he’s there on the page. The investigation begins with the pages you obtained. This is what I based it on.”
Elon Musk Lupita Nyong’o criticizes casting for The Odyssey
According to Entertainment Weekly, in just one example of racist criticism, Tesla co-founder Elon Musk commented on opinions that Nyong’o should not be part of the cast. He even claims on social media that Nolan is doing it because he “wants awards.”
Musk also says the director has “lost his integrity.”
The View hosts defend Lupita Nyong’o against Elon Musk criticism
The hosts of “The View” responded to Musk’s comments. “I don’t know if you realize this. Lupita is also one of the most beautiful women in the world. So, I’m not sure what you’re trying to say. You don’t actually have to go to the movie,” Whoopi Goldberg said on the show.
Lupita Nyong’o joins Star-studded cast From the movie “The Odyssey” by Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan, director of epics like Oppenheimer, The Beginning, and Interstellar, has put Lupita Nyong’o in good company.
The cast also includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Elliot Page.This breadth of talent is not lost on Nyong’o. “It’s great to be a part of The Odyssey, because it’s so great. It spans worlds,” says the actress. “That’s why this cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time.”“The Odyssey” hits theaters July 17.
