‘The Odyssey’s’ Lupita Nyong’o Faces Backlash Over Helen of Troy Casting
Lupita Nyong’o has recently addressed the online backlash she encountered after being cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of ‘The Odyssey.’ Some critics raised concerns about the casting choice, but Nyong’o responded calmly and directly.
She emphasized that the story is rooted in mythology and should not be confined to a specific appearance or background. Nyong’o stated, “This is a mythological story.” She also expressed her support for the director’s vision, adding, “I’m very supportive of Chris’s intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling. Our cast is representative of the world.”
Nyong’o made it clear that she is not preoccupied with defending herself against criticism. She remarked, “I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.”
Her comments followed a public debate online, which included remarks from businessman Elon Musk, who criticized the casting on social media. The conversation intensified after media personalities on “The View,” including Whoopi Goldberg, defended Nyong’o’s talent and reputation as a respected actress.
Goldberg pointed out that the arguments being made online were illogical, especially considering Nyong’o’s esteemed reputation. She stated, “I don’t know if you realize this, Lupita is also considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. So, I’m not sure what you’re trying to say. You don’t actually have to go to the movie.”
Nyong’o also discussed her approach to portraying Helen of Troy, a character often described in mythology as the most beautiful woman in Greece. She noted that she does not concentrate on trying to “perform beauty” on screen. Instead, her focus is on understanding the character as a person.
She explained, “You can’t perform beauty. I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks?” She added that collaborating with a strong script and director allows her to concentrate on the story rather than external opinions.
While the current discourse centers on Nyong’o, historical records reveal that she is not the first Black woman to portray Helen of Troy. That distinction belongs to Eartha Kitt, who played the role in a 1950 stage production in Paris. Her casting was facilitated by the legendary director Orson Welles, who personally chose her for the part.
At the time, Kitt was already performing in Paris and gaining acclaim for her stage presence and singing. Her show at the nightclub Carroll’s, a popular venue, helped elevate her profile. According to historical accounts, Welles was impressed by her performance and offered her the role of Helen of Troy in his production, which also featured his interpretation of “Faust.”
Kitt’s performance in Paris received positive reviews and led to a touring version of the production in Frankfurt for American troops stationed in Europe. A review from Stars and Stripes highlighted her impact on stage, stating, “Eartha Kitt… quite literally steals the show.” The review also noted her powerful singing and stage presence, which stood out even in a production that blended various dramatic elements.
Eartha Kitt later became widely recognized for many other roles beyond this early stage work. She is famous for her portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s “Batman” television series. Additionally, she achieved success as a singer with hits like “Santa Baby” and built a long-lasting career in film, television, and cabaret performance. Her voice, style, and stage energy made her one of the most iconic performers of her time.
Today, the ongoing discussion surrounding Nyong’o highlights how contemporary casting decisions often revive interest in older, lesser-known performances. While the debate continues online, both actresses are now linked through the legendary role of Helen of Troy, despite their performances emerging from vastly different eras and styles of theater and film.
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