The View’s Whoopi Goldberg Fires Back at Lupita Nyong’o’s Odyssey Backlash

The View co-hosts have slammed the conservative criticism about Lupita Nyong’o possibly playing Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Goldberg, who had a similar response to the backlash surrounding Halle Bailey’s casting as The Little Mermaid, asked why those who have a problem with Nyong’o’s casting simply don’t skip the movie.

The View stars slam criticism over The Odyssey’s Lupita Nyong’o casting

Recent rumors have suggested that Lupita Nyong’o could portray Helen of Troy. She is attached to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in an undisclosed role. Since the rumors surfaced, the speculation has generated significant backlash online. Many critics are citing concerns about historical and literary accuracy. Separate rumors have also suggested that Elliot Page could portray Achilles, which has similarly sparked discussion among fans.

“Why don’t you just not go to the movie?” Whoopi Goldberg said while opening the Hot Topics segment on Thursday. Thus, criticizing the backlash surrounding the rumored casting.

“I think racism rears its ugly head often, and more often now than ever, I think, in our country,” panelist Sunny Hostin said. This she mentioned while noting that Homer’s original story was fictional. “If you are a student of history, you know that scholars have debated for decades the extent to which Greek mythology and civilization were influenced by Ancient Egypt and North Africa,” Hostin added. “People saying Helen of Troy could not possibly be played by a Black woman don’t know history.”

Conservative panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin compared the backlash to the criticism surrounding The Little Mermaid. Griffin also referenced Elon Musk, who previously shared criticism about the rumored casting on X. Referring to Musk’s business ventures, Griffin asked, “How do you even have the time to worry about this?”

After Sara Haines praised Nyong’o’s beauty, which is often associated with the character of Helen of Troy, Goldberg questioned this. She asked why the rumored casting had become such a major issue when “so much is going on in the world.”

The Odyssey is scheduled to premiere on July 17, 2026. However, it has not been officially confirmed whether Nyong’o will portray Helen of Troy or whether Elliot Page will play Achilles.