The Hollywood sensation, starring Matt Damon as King Odysseus, follows the epic’s outline, describing his perilous 10-year journey home from the Trojan War, attempting to reunite with his wife, Penelope, during which he battles gods and monsters only to find his palace overrun by rivals.
The movie was partially filmed in Greece, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic sites: the Palace of Nestor in Pylos, Voidokilia Beach, Methoni Castle and Acrocorinth, with Greeks proudly expecting their natural heritage to receive global acclaim, as well as boasting of the fact that the famous Greek epic remains alive 3,000 years on.
The production received some €6.5 million in subsidies from the Greek state (its total budget reached €250 million). Based on a subsidy scheme introduced in 2017, the government in Athens offers reimbursements for part of the expenses for productions taking place in the country.
But then came the choice of Mexican-Kenyan-American actress Lupita Nyong’o to play Helen, whose abduction by Trojan prince Paris triggered the Trojan War.
SpaceX boss Elon Musk was quick to comment: “Chris Nolan desecrated Homer and groveled on his knees just to meet the woke rules required to win an Oscar,” the billionaire owner of Tesla posted on X. “What a worm,” he added.
Greek media hosted extensive debates about the choice, with historians, directors and film critics arguing for and against it. Those in favor argue that Greek epics are part of Western civilization and belong to everyone. Creative freedom is allowed, particularly when it comes to myths.