Why the Right-Wing Backlash Against ‘The Odyssey’ Is So Misguided

Few filmmakers inspire as much controversy as Christopher Nolan. Consider the backlash over The Dark Knight (2008), where Heath Ledger’s casting as the Joker was initially met with skepticism. Today, Ledger’s performance is widely regarded as the gold standard for movie villains, but at the time, many dismissed the idea of a "pretty boy from teen romcoms" taking on such a dark role. Nolan was accused of "going too far."

Right-Wing Outrage Over Nolan’s Films Is Nothing New

This pattern of criticism has followed Nolan throughout his career. Films like Interstellar (2014) were condemned for straying from a clear climate change message, with some arguing it leaned toward "climate skepticism." The Dark Knight Rises (2012) was labeled an "evil masterpiece" promoting a "fascist police state." Dunkirk (2017) faced accusations of "whitewashing" for not centering Indian and Muslim soldiers in the British military during World War II. Tenet (2020) was boycotted by critics who deemed its theatrical release during COVID-19 irresponsible, with some even suggesting Nolan’s actions endangered lives. Oppenheimer (2023) was similarly criticized for alleged "whitewashing."

The Right’s Strange Opposition to ‘The Odyssey’

Given Nolan’s reputation for blockbuster films and his appeal among conservative audiences, many expected his adaptation of The Odyssey to receive a warm reception from the right. Instead, the Very Online Right, led by Elon Musk, has launched a campaign against the film. Their primary objections? Too many Black actors and rumors that a trans individual may be playing Achilles.

The Elliot Page Rumor: Fact or Fiction?

The claim that Elliot Page is playing Achilles stems from an unconfirmed guess in a trailer breakdown published by a clickbait website. This speculation quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), particularly in reactionary circles. While Page’s casting could symbolize Achilles as a diminished figure—a ghost of his former self—the rumor lacks credibility. The line in the trailer, "Who’s looking after your wife and son?," aligns more closely with lines delivered by the ghosts of Elpenor or Tiresias in Homer’s epic.

Elon Musk’s Target: Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy

Musk’s objections are more overt. As a South African émigré, he has taken issue with Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy. His criticism appears rooted in racial bias rather than artistic merit. Nyong’o, an Oscar-winning actress and widely recognized beauty, is more than qualified for the role.

"The right’s opposition to The Odyssey is less about the film itself and more about a broader pattern of resistance to diversity in casting."