(Image Credits: Universal Pictures)
Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey will be one of the year’s biggest movies. While backlash to his casting choices are loud right now, it will only help the movie succeed in the long run.

The Odyssey continues to drive discussion in a litany of ways

Over the past week, backlash against Nolan’s upcoming movie has been building up in a specific part of the internet. Criticism has largely been pointed at the casting choices Nolan has made for a few of the roles in the upcoming epic adaptation. Following the release of the new look at the film, rumors began circulating about two specific actors: Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong’o.

Rumors began circulating that Page would be playing the ghost of Achilles, the mythological hero of the Trojan War who is recognized as one of the greatest Greek warriors ever. As for Nyong’o, criticism about her part in the movie began after it was revealed she would be playing Helen of Troy. Since the backlash began, criticism has largely been led by trolls online, but even this level of discussion will help Nolan in the long run.

(Image Credits: Universal Studios)

In today’s day and age, it’s very rare for a movie that isn’t a major franchise entry like an Avengers film to dominate conversation the way The Odyssey has. The movie has been in the news for years now and even made waves when it sold out opening IMAX showings a year in advance. Engagement for the film also remains insanely high, with the movie’s trailers routinely racking up tens of millions of views upon release.

As far as the controversy goes, while it has been a large topic of conversation, it will also continue to keep the movie at the forefront of people’s minds. Whether people love the movie or hate it, even the controversy will likely lead to an increase in people seeing the movie. Most likely, even people who might not like the casting choices will see the movie just to have an opinion on it.

The movie, much like Nolan’s Oppenheimer, seems destined to be a cultural talking point, and will likely yet again be a box office hit for Nolan. The backlash around the casting choices has been a surprising one given the accuracy of the rest of the movie, but like most things in today’s day and age, the controversy might just end up helping Nolan more than anything when all is said and done.

Originally reported by Anthony Nash for ComingSoon.