Greeks Speak Out Against Controversial Casting of New Odyssey Movie

 

CULTURE & SOCIETY, CURRENT

Greeks Speak Out Against Controversial Casting of New Odyssey Movie

https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/culture_society/odyssey-movie-greeks-speak-out/

 

Backlash over the questionable casting choices in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of the Odyssey by Homer started early this year, when it was revealed that Helen of Troy would be played by Kenyan Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, and it has not really subsided since.

 

Now, we got another twist in the story. Given that the Odyssey is one of the best-known marvels of Ancient Greek culture in the world, it is only prudent that the heirs of that culture, modern-day Greeks, should be heard about the newest adaptation of Homer’s work.

 

Well, now they are having their say on the subject: an open letter on the website Greek City Times was published on Monday, 25 May.

 

In it, the author stresses that ‘Greek people did not disappear after the age of myth. Greek culture was not frozen in classical marble. Greek language was not extinguished in antiquity. We are still here.’

 

They also refrain from completely going against ahistorical casting for the sake of modern diversity sensibilities. Instead, what the author speaks out against in their piece is—ironically—a lack of representation, that of actual Greek actors in the portrayal of a Greek mythical story.

 

‘[We ask] that when Greek stories are retold on a global stage, Greek people are not rendered invisible within them,’ he goes on to write. ‘In recent years, the film industry has rightly placed increasing emphasis on representation; ensuring that cultures are acknowledged, voices are included, and lived experience is not erased in the process of storytelling. Indigenous stories increasingly involve Indigenous voices. Cultural consultation is becoming more standard practice. Identity is treated as part of artistic responsibility. We ask only that this awareness extend to Greek heritage as well.’

 

The irony has only thickened with a recently resurfaced clip of Lupita Nyong’o speaking about black representation in the American film industry.

 

While promoting the 2018 superhero film Black Panther, she spoke of the importance of accurate and authentic representation of African culture in modern film. However, now she is showing no such concern about white European, or more specifically, Greek culture.

 

None of the main cast of the 2026 Odyssey movie—Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and, evidently, Lupita Nyong’o—have Greek ancestry. Famous Hollywood actors with Greek ancestry include Jennifer Aniston, John Stamos, and Zach Galifianakis.

 

The backlash by the Greek community over representation of their history in an American production is very much reminiscent of the reactions from Egypt after the casting of black actress Adele James as Queen Cleopatra of Egypt in the 2023 Netflix miniseries.

 

Nyong’o is not the only controversial casting choice for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.

 

Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior, will be portrayed by transgender actor Elliot Page. Meanwhile, rapper Travis Scott, who has a major controversy of his own after the fatal crowd crush at his 2021 concert in Houston, Texas, will be appearing as a ‘rapping bard’ in the picture.