The Oscar-winning actress has received strong reviews for her performance in Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey after facing criticism over her casting as Helen of Troy.
Lupita Nyong’o has received widespread recognition for her performance in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, turning attention from earlier casting criticism into positive reviews from film critics.
The Oscar-winning actress, who plays Helen of Troy in the highly anticipated epic, appeared in New York on Thursday as she continued promotional activities for the film.
Following the release of early reviews, several critics highlighted Nyong’o’s performance, describing it as one of the notable aspects of the movie.
The positive response comes after her casting sparked debate online, with some critics questioning Nolan’s decision to select Nyong’o for the role of Helen of Troy, a legendary figure from Greek mythology.
Nyong’o, however, said she was focused on supporting Nolan’s creative vision rather than engaging with criticism.
“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,” she told Elle.
“I’m not spending my time thinking of a defence. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not,” she added.
Lupita Nyong’o’s performance becomes a talking point in ‘The Odyssey’
The casting discussion gained attention on social media, with some public figures questioning the decision, while others defended Nolan’s approach to adapting the classic story.
Following the release of reviews, several critics argued that Nyong’o’s performance demonstrated the strength of the casting choice.
The Independent praised the film in a five-star review, noting that although the movie features a large ensemble cast, its female characters stood out.
RogerEbert.com editor-at-large Matt Zoller Seitz described Nolan’s casting approach as “not just defensible but inspiring.”
The Financial Times also highlighted Nyong’o’s contribution, describing her performance as “vivid and bristling” while suggesting that the actress deserved more screen time.
Director Christopher Nolan previously addressed discussions around the film’s casting, explaining that his approach to historical and mythological storytelling focuses on creating a compelling interpretation rather than simply following traditional expectations.
He compared the process to his work on Interstellar, saying filmmakers must consider how best to imagine and present a particular world.
Meanwhile, The Odyssey has received strong early reactions from critics, earning a 96 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes from more than 60 reviews.
The film marks Nolan’s 13th feature and has been recognised as one of his most ambitious projects, bringing together an international cast for a modern adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.
For Nyong’o, the response adds to an already distinguished career that includes an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave and acclaimed performances in films such as Black Panther and Us.
The actress has continued to choose roles that challenge expectations, and her latest performance in The Odyssey has placed her once again at the centre of global film conversations.
