The Odyssey arrived in cinemas today after a long wait, but while plenty of moviegoers are eager to see it, some MAGA supporters appear far less interested.
Backlash from parts of the ‘Make America Great Again’ movement has been building since details of Christopher Nolan’s cast first emerged, and the debate has continued right up to the film’s release on July 17, 2026.
The movie, led by a high-profile ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon and Tom Holland, follows the story of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero, and his decade-long struggle to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It is also being shown in a limited number of 70mm IMAX theaters, a format Nolan has repeatedly championed for his films.
But several casting decisions quickly became a source of anger for some on the right.
Lupita Nyong’o, known for Black Panther, appears in the production as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Because Nyong’o is Kenyan, some MAGA supporters objected to her casting, arguing the character should be portrayed as white and blonde.
Addressing the criticism, the 43-year-old told Elle: “This is a mythological story.
“I’m very supportive of Chris’s intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling. Our cast is representative of the world. I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.”
“It’s quite something to be a part of The Odyssey, because it is so grand. It spans worlds. So that’s why the cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time.”
Elon Musk was among those who criticized the casting, accusing Nolan of making a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hire and suggesting the director “wants awards”.
His remarks drew criticism from many people, though this was not the only casting report he reacted to.
In May, reports claimed that Juno actor Elliot Page, who is transgender, had been cast as Achilles, the figure often described as ‘the greatest warrior in Greek mythology’. Those reports later proved to be incorrect; Page is actually playing Sinon, a Greek figure linked to the Trojan War rather than Homer’s version of The Odyssey.
After those reports appeared, Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter: “One of the dumbest and twisted things I’ve ever heard.”
Speaking to The Telegraph shortly before the release of the movie, Nolan responded to the wider debate by saying: “These conversations that happen before people see the film — they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet.”
With the film now in theaters, that discussion is likely to continue as audiences finally get to see Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s epic for themselves.