Whoopi Goldberg and Alyssa Farah Griffin are pushing back against conservative criticism of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” arguing that those angered by its casting can simply choose not to watch it. The star-studded blockbuster has faced attacks from some prominent conservative commentators over its diverse cast, which includes Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Elliot Page. Despite the controversy, the film has earned overwhelmingly positive audience reviews and sailed to the top of the North American box office.
During a recent episode of “The View,” Goldberg reacted to a clip of conservative commentator Ben Shapiro condemning Page’s involvement in the movie. Rather than debating whether Page should have been cast, Goldberg questioned why viewers opposed to the actor’s participation would purchase tickets in the first place.
“A lot of conservatives who see this are going to feel the same way. That’s OK. But I don’t understand … why go see the movie?” Goldberg said. “If you don’t wanna see it, then don’t go see it. Why do you care who’s cast in it? I don’t understand this idea that if we hate it, everybody must hate it.”
The EGOT winner then delivered a blunt message to the movie’s critics. “You don’t like Elliot Page? Don’t go see the damn movie. Don’t do it. We will be okay if you don’t go see it,” she said.
Goldberg also reminded viewers that “movies are not real,” seemingly dismissing the argument that Nolan’s casting choices needed to follow the expectations of modern political commentators.
Alyssa Farah Griffin Says The Film Has A ‘Conservative Message’
Alyssa Farah Griffin, who identifies as conservative and previously worked for Donald Trump, offered a different reason for why right-wing viewers should reconsider the backlash. “It is a masterpiece. It is a phenomenal film,” Farah Griffin said.
According to “The View” co-host, the story contains themes that conservatives would ordinarily embrace. “There’s actually a real conservative message … it’s about devotion to family, it’s about faith, it’s about upholding institutions, it’s about how war is dangerous and has repercussions for all of us,” she explained.
Farah Griffin said she could not understand why conservative commentators were allowing anger over the cast to overshadow those elements. “The fact that conservatives can’t take the win and just be like, ‘Oh no, this is a really excellent film with a good message for families,’ I’ll never understand that.”
When Joy Behar suggested critics were fixated on the movie being perceived as “woke,” Farah Griffin quickly rejected that characterization. “But there’s nothing woke in this film,” she replied.
Sara Haines Calls Out Critics Who Haven’t Watched The Movie
Sara Haines also criticized people who formed strong opinions about “The Odyssey” without seeing it. “There’s a unique ignorance to someone who comments on something they’ve never seen,” Haines said. “You’re taught from a young age, do your research, learn, and then you can join the conversation. But it’s like not voting and then complaining about what you get.”
The co-host argued that audiences cannot credibly condemn the film without first engaging with what Nolan actually created. “You cannot not see the film and complain about how awful it is, when you haven’t seen the film,” she continued. “Because this film, and I echo Alyssa, is a masterpiece.”
Elon Musk Wants To Make His Own ‘Historically Accurate’ Version
Elon Musk has emerged as one of the most prominent figures criticizing “The Odyssey,” taking particular issue with the casting of Nyong’o and Page. The tech billionaire responded to the controversy by announcing plans to use artificial intelligence to produce another adaptation of Homer’s story.
“Before this year ends, Grok Imagine will make a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer,” Musk wrote on X.
It remains unclear how Musk’s proposed “historically accurate” adaptation would handle the mythological elements found in Homer’s original work, including Greek gods and a cyclops. Musk also said he would be “down” to give Mel Gibson $100 million to create a “painstakingly historically accurate” version featuring dialogue taken from the original poem and performed in Homeric Greek.
‘The Odyssey’ Dominates Despite The Conservative Backlash
The political debate does not appear to have discouraged audiences from seeing “The Odyssey.”
The movie received a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score following its release, while its audience rating climbed even higher. According to the figures provided, 97% of viewers gave the blockbuster a positive review. The film also secured the top spot at the North American box office, earning $124.5 million during its opening weekend.
“The Odyssey” added another $139 million from overseas markets, bringing its worldwide total to $263.5 million and surpassing its reported $250 million production budget.
