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The decision to cast Zendaya as Athena and Lupita Nyong'o as Creus has ignited debate. Critics argue that race-swapping gods and mythological figures can detract from the authenticity of the story, especially given that these characters are deities, and beyond physical appearance, their cultural representations matter to some viewers.
However, defenders point out that The Odyssey is a timeless story meant to resonate across cultures. They argue that race and ethnicity should not limit casting choices, especially when these decisions reflect an effort to diversify representation onscreen. Interestingly, there is also speculation that Nolan might be intentionally challenging audience expectations and sparking conversation about race and mythology.