Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has responded to criticism surrounding her casting in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of ‘The Odyssey’, which is scheduled for cinema release on 17 July.

The Kenyan-Mexican actress is set to portray both Helen of Troy and her sister, Clytemnestra, in the epic production.

Speaking to Elle magazine, Nyong’o said she was not preoccupied with defending her casting.

“The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not,” she said. “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.”

The actress added that the film’s diverse casting reflects the scale and universality of the story.

“The Odyssey is so grand. It spans worlds. That’s why the cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time,” she stated.

Some social media users had raised concerns, including racially charged comments, following the casting announcement.

Nyong’o, however, stressed that her portrayal of Helen is rooted in the character’s strength and complexity rather than conventional standards of beauty.

“An actor can’t perform beauty. I want to know who a character is. What is beyond beauty? What is beyond looks?” she said.

She has also described taking on the role of Helen as a profound honour, calling her iconic.

Director Christopher Nolan praised Nyong’o’s acting, describing her as an ideal fit for the role.

“The strength and the poise were so important to the character of Helen, and Lupita makes it look effortless,” Nolan said. “I was absolutely desperate for her to do the part.”

The film also features Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, John Leguizamo, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie and Travis Scott.