Lupita Nyong’o’s Unexpected Admission About The Odyssey

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o recently revealed that she had no prior knowledge of the epic story The Odyssey before being cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation. This revelation is particularly surprising given her educational background—she graduated from Yale University.

“I really didn’t know what it was. The Odyssey… It was,” she admitted while speaking with Elle Magazine. “I was like, ‘Oh, snap, I don’t know the first thing about this.'” It seems she dived straight into a crash course, quickly picking up the book to read. She acknowledged that this project has certainly contributed to her understanding of Greek mythology.

Considering her impressive academic achievements—she attended Hampshire College for theater and obtained a master’s in acting from Yale in 2012, along with studying at various elite institutions in Kenya—it’s quite curious that she hadn’t encountered such a pivotal piece of literature. The story itself has seen countless adaptations in film, television, and other forms of media, marking its significance in the literary world.

Nyong’o stirred some controversy when it was announced that she would play the role of Helen of Troy, a character often dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world” in the narrative. This casting decision sparked dissatisfaction among some audiences, primarily due to the character’s Greek origins.

In response to the criticism, Nyong’o expressed her desire to explore her character’s depth beyond just her physical beauty. “Beauty cannot be expressed,” she remarked. “I want to know who the characters are. What’s beyond beauty? What’s beyond appearances? That’s what truly matters when engaging with such a well-known text.” She highlighted that The Odyssey is about mythology, not historical accuracy.

“I very much support Chris’s intentions with this version of the story,” she shared, also noting that Nolan’s cast reflects a broader representation of the world today.

She asserted, “I don’t spend my time thinking of defenses. There will be criticism whether I engage in it or not.” Nyong’o clearly seems to embrace her role in this epic tale, stating, “It’s a lot of fun to be part of The Odyssey because it’s so grand. It spans the world. The cast reflects this, as we embody the significant narratives of our time.”

Adding to the conversation, there have been unconfirmed reports that actor Elliot Page is set to portray the famed Greek warrior Achilles, which has also elicited a mixed reaction from fans. Actor Kevin Sorbo commented on the rumored casting, stating, “If I had been paid for this movie, I never would have thought of this.” Earlier this year, when Nyong’o’s casting was still speculative, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk remarked that Nolan had “lost his integrity,” referencing the traditional portrayal of Helen of Troy as a “fair-skinned blonde” and the consequent war sparked by her beauty.