Lupita Nyong’o challenges Homer over women’s roles in Nolan’s The Odyssey

African‑American actress Lupita Nyong’o, cast as Helen of Troy (and Clytemnestra) in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, said in a Jake’s Takes interview that she would ask the ancient poet Homer how he feels about the limited screen‑time given to women in his epics. Nyong’o admitted she had never heard of the Odyssey before being hired, took a crash course on Greek mythology and thanked the project for her education. The remark – “So, Homer, how do you feel about the screen time given to these women, considering how little you spent with them?” – quickly went viral, sparking a wave of social‑media debate. Supporters praised the call for a more balanced portrayal, while critics slammed the comment as arrogant or “woke” and resurfaced earlier controversy over Nyong’o’s casting as the traditionally white Helen, comparing her to Diane Kruger’s performance in Troy. The film’s trailer and promotional material have also attracted criticism for its diverse casting and modernized language, but anticipation remains high for Nolan’s summer blockbuster slated for release on 17 July 2026.