Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o is hitting back at the online backlash and trolling surrounding her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'. The actress, who has been subjected to a wave of criticism and even racism over her casting as the Greek character, responded to the chatter in a new interview with Elle. Shutting down netizens who argued that she should not portray the character described in mythology as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' Nyong'o addressed the controversy head-on.
Nyong'o Defends Nolan and the Film's Vision
'First, this is a mythological story,' Nyong'o said, defending her director. 'I'm very supportive of Chris's intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling.' She added, 'I was so deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role.' The actress emphasized that the cast 'is representative of the world' and noted that 'the criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.' She also revealed that the film 'spans worlds. So that's why the cast is what it is. We're occupying the epic narrative of our time.'
Beyond the 'Face That Launched 1,000 Ships'
Nyong'o pushed back against reducing the character of Helen of Troy to her physical appearance, particularly the legendary description of her as 'the face that launched 1,000 ships.' She argued, 'You can't perform beauty. I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks?' Addressing the nasty comments and criticism over her casting, she said, '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 Dual Role in 'The Odyssey'
Lupita Nyong'o stars in a dual role in the Nolan film. She portrays both the legendary Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, Helen's sister. As per an official description of the character, 'Helen of Troy is the daughter of the god Zeus and the mortal Leda, as well as the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. When she's kidnapped on account of her famous beauty, her disappearance prompts the beginning of the Trojan War itself, for which Odysseus leaves Ithaca. Meanwhile, Helen's sister, Clytemnestra, is the wife of Agamemnon, himself a brother to Menelaus and the commander of the Greek army seeking to bring Helen home.'
