Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey faces fierce online backlash before its July 17 release. The final trailer amassed over 600,000 dislikes on YouTube. The ratio reached roughly nine dislikes for every like. Universal locked comments across its social media platforms in response.
The controversy centers on casting decisions. Nolan cast Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, a character traditionally described as the most beautiful woman in the world. The Kenyan-Mexican actress also plays her half-sister Clytemnestra in a dual role. Critics argued the choice ignored traditional interpretations of the character.
Additional casting drew scrutiny. Nolan cast Elliot Page, a transgender actor, as Sinon, a soldier connected to Odysseus. Rapper Travis Scott appears as a Homeric bard. Indian actor Himesh Patel portrays Eurylochus. These choices fueled heated debate across social media platforms.
The backlash intensified when high-profile figures amplified criticism. Conservative commentators accused the film of pushing ideological messaging. Elon Musk, who owns X, endorsed several critical posts. Much of the criticism has been condemned as racist, misogynistic, and transphobic by defenders of the film.
Other complaints targeted historical accuracy. Critics flagged modern dialogue, American accents, and costume designs. Some viewers argued the production felt too contemporary for a classical epic. Defenders countered that Helen is a mythological figure with no verified appearance.
The trailer became the second most disliked Hollywood trailer ever. Only Disney’s Snow White remake scored worse. Universal restricted replies after dislikes surpassed 500,000.
Despite the storm, early critic reviews remain strongly positive. Trade publications praised the film as a spectacular epic. The movie reportedly cost $250 million, the most expensive of Nolan’s career. It stars Matt Damon, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Charlize Theron. The review embargo lifts before release, offering another chance to shift momentum.
