Whoopi Goldberg defends 'The Odyssey' cast as Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong'o face backlash

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Whoopi Goldberg has defended Christopher Nolan’s epic 'The Odyssey' after the film faced backlash over its casting choices, particularly involving Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong'o’s roles.

During an episode of 'The View', the Oscar-winning actress criticized those targeting the movie and its stars, arguing that viewers who disagree with the casting can simply choose not to watch the film.

Goldberg’s comments came as the film faced criticism from some conservative commentators who questioned Page’s role and Nyong'o’s casting. She pushed back against the controversy and said if anyone does not agree with the casting, then 'don't watch the movie'.  

Whoopi Goldberg responds to criticism of Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' cast

Goldberg addressed those criticizing the film’s casting choices and questioned why viewers who object to the actors involved would choose to watch the movie.

“A lot of conservatives who see this are going to feel the same way. That’s okay. But I don’t understand. Why go see the movie?"

"If you don’t want to see it, don’t go see it. Why do you care who’s cast in it?” Goldberg asked. “I don’t understand this idea that if we hate it, everybody must hate it because we hate it for this reason," she added. 

"You don’t like Elliot Page? Don’t go see the movie. Don’t do it. We will be okay if you don’t go see it."

Goldberg said most Americans are focused on working, supporting their families, getting an education, and handling everyday challenges.

She pushed back against critics, saying many people are only now realizing that society has changed. She added, “You are the only ones who’ve been asleep,” arguing that women and Black people are no longer willing to accept being told what to think or feel. “Those days are done,” she said.

"Y’all need to stay up, and y’all need to watch what happens when the world rights itself and people start doing their lives again. When they’re getting respect from a government that they put in place to make sure that everybody gets a fair shot,” she said at the end of her statement.

“This is what we want. We don’t care what you think about the movies. They’re not real. Movies are not real. We are real. So, please, get it together.”

Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong'o’s roles in Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey'

Despite speculation surrounding Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' cast, Elliot Page is not playing Achilles, while Lupita Nyong'o’s casting as Helen of Troy in the film has also faced criticism from some viewers.

Page has been cast as Sinon, the Greek warrior from Virgil’s 'The Aeneid' whose deception played a key role in the fall of Troy. Meanwhile, Nyong'o portrays Helen and will also take on a dual role in the film. 

Although Nolan has said that criticism does not affect him, explaining that he is accustomed to facing backlash throughout his career, neither Page nor Nyong'o has publicly addressed the online controversy surrounding their casting.

The casting choices have sparked debate among audiences, but both characters are connected to the wider world of Greek mythology rather than being central figures in Homer’s 'The Odyssey'.