Jon Bernthal Supports Lupita Nyong’O’s Role as Helen of Troy in ‘The Odyssey’

Casting choices for significant mythological adaptations often ignite intense discussions online, particularly when the source material carries centuries of preconceived notions about character appearances. Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ found itself at the center of this debate even before its theatrical release.

The casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy was particularly controversial, sparking heated discussions on social media as soon as it was announced. Elon Musk was one of the most outspoken critics, claiming Nolan compromised his “integrity” with this choice and sharing posts that argued the casting rendered the story’s premise “incoherent.”

Now that the film has premiered, Jon Bernthal, who portrays Menelaus, Helen’s husband, has made his stance on the controversy clear. He has offered strong praise for Nyong’o’s performance and her suitability for the role.

“For me, there’s no one else in the world who could have done that, who comes with a level of beauty both inside and out that you believe somebody would go to war for,” Bernthal told DiscussingFilm. “I’m just so glad it was her.”

Bernthal’s remarks extend beyond mere compliments about Nyong’o’s appearance, emphasizing her casting in relation to the character’s essential narrative role. Helen of Troy is famously known as the figure whose beauty sparked a thousand ships and instigated the Trojan War, meaning the actress must convincingly embody a mythology filled with obsession and conflict.

Bernthal argued that Nyong’o was uniquely qualified for this challenge, highlighting the internal depth she brought to the character along with her compelling screen presence. He also credited Nolan’s directing style for revealing that nuance, noting the filmmaker’s emphasis on a character’s inner life as crucial for showcasing those layers on screen.

Nyong’o’s casting faced scrutiny long before ‘The Odyssey’ reached audiences. Her participation was first confirmed in November 2024, but her specific role remained unannounced for months, leading to online speculation and eventual backlash once it was revealed she would play Helen.

The backlash intensified into a broader cultural debate when Musk amplified criticism of the casting, prompting responses from figures like Whoopi Goldberg, who addressed the issue on ‘The View’ and advised Musk to “just sit down” regarding artistic matters. Supporters of Nyong’o’s casting have consistently pointed out that Helen of Troy is a mythological character without any historical basis dictating her appearance, undermining claims that the casting deviated from established facts.

Critics of the backlash have also noted the inconsistency in its application, as nearly every major casting decision in the extensive ensemble faced some level of criticism online, from Bernthal’s own role as Menelaus to Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus. With a cast that also features Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, the film was bound to attract scrutiny for nearly every role, making the intensity of the reaction specifically to Nyong’o’s casting particularly noticeable to many observers.

Bernthal has shown little interest in engaging with the controversy, instead focusing solely on Nyong’o’s performance. In the film, Nyong’o takes on dual roles, portraying both Helen and her sister Clytemnestra, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging task.

With ‘The Odyssey’ now in theaters following its July 17 release, audiences finally have the opportunity to evaluate the casting for themselves, moving beyond pre-release speculation.

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