AceShowbiz - Lupita Nyong'o is addressing the toxic online criticism surrounding her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. In a new profile with Elle, the Oscar-winning actress discussed the blowback, primarily from right-wing pundits who argued that a Black actress should not portray "the most beautiful woman in the world" in Universal's big-budget adaptation of Homer's classic epic.

Nyong'o first reminded readers that this is a mythological story, not a historical drama as it is often characterized. "I'm very supportive of Chris's intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling," she said. "Our cast is representative of the world. I'm not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not."

The actress emphasized the grandeur of the project, stating: "It's quite something to be a part of The Odyssey, because it is so grand. It spans worlds. So that's why the cast is what it is. We're occupying the epic narrative of our time. ... I was so deeply honored to be entrusted with the role."

Nyong'o also dismissed the fixation on the character as "the face that launched 1,000 ships." She explained, "You can't perform beauty. I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks? That's the thing about doing such a well-known text, which has been studied and interpreted and derived from. The research could be endless. The good thing about working with a writer like Chris is that it's on the page. The investigation starts with the pages you're given. That's what I based it on."

The backlash gained mainstream attention after conservative commentator and Daily Wire host Matt Walsh took exception to the casting on X last week. His post, which featured a screenshot of The Hollywood Reporter's reporting on Nyong'o's role in The Odyssey, caught the attention of Elon Musk. "Not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong'o is 'the most beautiful woman in the world.' But Christopher Nolan knows that he would be called racist if he gave 'the most beautiful woman' role to a white woman," Walsh wrote. "Nolan is technically talented but a coward. Too afraid to do anything that even slightly challenges the spirit of the age." Musk replied quickly, writing, "True."

In the interview, Nyong'o added a broader perspective on handling negativity: "I can't spend my time thinking about all the people who still don't love me. You'll find the representatives who believe in you, and you'll get on with it. I want to believe I'm built to last."

Nyong'o's response highlights her focus on the artistry of the role rather than the controversy. She expressed confidence in Nolan's vision for the film, which she described as "the most extreme version" of the story he could make, according to related reports. The cast, which includes a diverse ensemble, reflects the epic's multi-world scope, she noted.

The actress's measured approach to the backlash underscores a commitment to her craft and the project itself. By refusing to engage directly with critics, Nyong'o redirects attention to the creative process behind The Odyssey. Her comments serve as a reminder that mythological storytelling often invites reinterpretation, and that casting choices can reflect a broader, more inclusive vision of classic tales.

As production on The Odyssey continues, Nyong'o remains focused on bringing depth to Helen of Troy, moving beyond superficial notions of beauty to explore the character's inner world. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, is one of the most anticipated projects in Hollywood, and Nyong'o's role is a key part of its ambitious scope.