Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o has been selected to play Goddess Athena in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, a move that could rekindle the debate over the alleged “blackwashing” in cinema.
The daughter of a Kenyan politician Nyong’o is an actress who has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, as well as nominations for two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award.
Nyong’o role as Athena in the Odyssey sparks debate
However, her impersonation of Athena in the upcoming movie has already raised criticism in Greek social media. Some commentators are raising parallels with the controversy erupted by the 2013 Netflix series of Cleopatra which depicted Cleopatra VII (and her family) as ‘black’ countering all historical depictions of the famous Queen.
While the Cleopatra series has received the lowest audience approval rating (3%) for a Netflix program in its history, it has also succeeded in offending Egyptians and Greeks. The Egyptian government has condemned the documentary outright, citing distortion of Egyptian history.
In 2018 a similar controversy erupted following the BBC/Netflix series Troy: Fall of a City (2018) where David Gyasi, a Black actor, played Achilles, sparking debate about historical accuracy vs. diversity in casting.
Black actors in traditional white roles
Some argue that casting Black actors in traditionally white roles can bring fresh perspectives, diversify narratives, and provide opportunities for talented actors who have historically been underrepresented in mainstream media. It’s seen as a step towards more inclusive storytelling that better reflects our diverse society.
Supporters argue that myths like the Iliad are open to interpretation, and since no definitive physical description of Athena exists, creative liberties should be allowed. Others point out that Hollywood has historically whitewashed non-white historical and mythological figures.
However, critics may argue that such casting choices can be seen as disrespectful to the original source material or historical figures. They may also question whether it’s appropriate to alter the ethnic or racial identity of characters whose stories are deeply rooted in specific cultural contexts.
All-star ensemble and filming locations for The Odyssey
After Oppenheimer grossed nearly $1 billion and won Best Picture, Nolan’s next movie is an adaptation of the Ancient Greek epic poem that follows Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
Nolan’s film once again features an all-star ensemble that includes apart from Nyong’o, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal.
Filming locations for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey have been revealed but they do not include Greece, the place where Homer’s epic took place.
According to Variety, Nolan will shoot The Odyssey partly in Sicily and specifically on the island of Favignana known as “goat island” which, according to some scholars, is believed to be where parts of Homer’s epic actually take place. Additional filming locations include the U.K. and Morocco.
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