Lupita Nyong’o might play Athena in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, and the internet has a lot to say about it. The rumor, which started from a Nolan fan account, has led to mixed reactions. Some people are excited about the idea, while others argue that casting a Black actress as the Greek goddess is inaccurate. The discussion exposes the ongoing debates about race, mythology, and representation in Hollywood.

The Debate Over Lupita Nyong’o’s Casting in The Odyssey

Critics on social media say Athena has always appeared as a Greek woman with olive or white skin. They believe casting Nyong’o changes an important part of the character’s identity. Some compare it to casting a white actress as an African goddess, arguing that people would not accept it the other way around. A few insist they care about historical accuracy, not race, but others ask why this debate only happens when actors of color take major roles.

However, one could argue that the real issue is that Nyong’o is not a real goddess, becuase if accuracy matters, Athena should at least be played by someone immortal. Mythology has always changed over time and people have portrayed Athena in different ways throughout history. How else do people explain why the world depicts Jesus, a Middle Eastern man, with blonde hair and blue eyes?

side-by-side comparison of two images of Jesus—on the left, a traditional European depiction with blonde hair and blue eyes; on the right, a forensic reconstruction of a Middle Eastern man based on historical and anthropological research.
Two versions of Jesus—one shaped by European tradition, the other by historical and scientific reconstructions of a Middle Eastern man. Image Credit: The Roofless Church

The Debate Over Mythology and Race

Some people believe the casting choice is a deliberate statement. A few people connect it to Black Athena, a book by Martin Bernal that argues African and Middle Eastern cultures influenced Greek mythology. Others dismiss this idea, calling it an attempt to rewrite history.

Filmmakers have adapted Greek mythology in many ways, which makes the criticism against Nyong’o’s casting feel selective. Hollywood has never prioritized historical accuracy when it comes to race. Films like Troy and 300 changed historical details without controversy. White actors have also played non-European roles without backlash, as seen in Exodus: Gods and Kings, where white actors portrayed ancient Egyptians.

I can’t mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such…I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up. – Ridley Scott

Hollywood’s Double Standards

This debate is not just about one role. Hollywood has a long history of casting white actors in roles based on different cultures. Many point out that white actors have played Egyptian pharaohs, Middle Eastern prophets, and Asian warriors without controversy. When a dark-skinned black actress is cast in a role based on Greek mythology, the backlash is immediate.

Athena is a mythological character, not a real historical figure, and it is important to remember that. Since people have reimagined gods and goddesses in many ways over time, they see no reason why Nyong’o cannot play Athena.

Related | Lupita Nyong’o Breaks Her Silence On Uterine Fibroids And Pushes For Change

The strong response to this rumor shows how race and mythology remain controversial topics in film. Some people see it as a bold and fresh take, while others view it as a break from tradition. The conversation is far from over, and if the casting is confirmed, the debate will likely continue. Whether or not Nyong’o plays Athena, the reaction to this rumor proves that Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to race and representation in storytelling.

Discover more from Feminegra

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.