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Lupita Nyong'o rejects criticism of Helen of Troy role
Key takeaways
- The Oscar winner will play Helen, whose beauty famously "launched a thousand ships" and resulted in the Trojan war, according to Homer's ancient Greek legend.
- But her casting has now sparked a culture war too, with critics including Elon Musk claiming it's wrong to cast a black actress as the character in Nolan's hotly anticipated movie.
- Speaking to Elle, Nyong'o responded: "I'm very supportive of Chris's intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Ian Youngs Culture reporter Getty Images Lupita Nyong'o will play both Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra Actress Lupita Nyong'o has told people who have criticised her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey to remember that "this is a mythological story".
The Oscar winner will play Helen, whose beauty famously "launched a thousand ships" and resulted in the Trojan war, according to Homer's ancient Greek legend.
But her casting has now sparked a culture war too, with critics including Elon Musk claiming it's wrong to cast a black actress as the character in Nolan's hotly anticipated movie.
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A Black Helen of Troy? Fine. A White Obama? Not Yet.
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