JAKARTA - Oscar winner Lupita N’yong’o responded to racial criticism after she was chosen to play Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
According to a report by HuffPost, quoted on Friday, May 22, Lupita said she felt very honored to be trusted to play the famous figure in Greek mythology.
"I really feel honored to be trusted to play this role. I mean, Helen is an iconic figure. What else can I say?" Lupita said in an interview with Elle.
Lupita's casting was previously criticized by Elon Musk and conservative commentator Matt Walsh. They questioned Lupita, who is of Kenyan and Mexican descent, for playing a figure known as the most beautiful woman in ancient Greece.
They also compared her to actress Sydney Sweeney, who they said was unlikely to be chosen to play "the most beautiful woman in Africa".
In February, Musk accused Nolan of losing "integrity" after choosing Lupita. Nolan's previous film, Oppenheimer, won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Lupita did not answer Musk's comment directly. He chose to highlight the source of the film's story.
"This is a mythological story," Lupita said.
"Our players represent the world. I don't spend time thinking about defense. Criticism will always be there, whether I respond to it or not," he said.
Nolan defended the choice. He said he really wanted Lupita to play Helen because the character needed strength and authority.
"Strength and gravitas are so important to Helen's character," Nolan said.
"Lupita makes it look so natural. I'm sure there's a lot of discipline and practice behind the way she exudes layers of calm and emotion in the character," he said.
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