Orson Welles Already Proved a Black Woman Was Born to Play Helen of Troy — Back in 1950

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic ‘The Odyssey’ assembles one of the most extraordinary casts seen in a studio film in years, with Matt Damon leading as Ulysses, Zendaya stepping into the role of Athena, Charlize Theron bringing Calypso to life, Anne Hathaway portraying the steadfast Penelope, and Tom Holland taking on Telemachus. The scale and ambition of the project have been unmistakable from the very beginning, making the noise that has surrounded it feel particularly misplaced.

The controversy ignited when it was confirmed that Lupita Nyong’o would portray both Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra in the film. Elon Musk declared on X that Nolan had “lost his integrity” over the casting choice, while commentator Matt Walsh argued that Nyong’o was not an appropriate choice for a role defined by the character being considered the most beautiful woman in the world. The backlash framed itself as a defense of historical and cultural accuracy, but it rested on a very shaky foundation.

What those critics either overlooked or chose to ignore is that a Black woman has already played Helen of Troy, chosen for the part by one of the most celebrated directors in the history of Western storytelling. Orson Welles cast Eartha Kitt as Helen of Troy in a Paris stage production in June 1950, after seeing her perform at a Parisian nightclub and being immediately captivated by her presence. The production, titled ‘Time Runs’, was a stage adaptation of Doctor Faustus, and it debuted in Paris before going on to tour.

After the Paris run, the production traveled to Frankfurt, where it was performed for American troops and reviewed by the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes. The review noted that Kitt’s performance was worth the price of admission alone. Welles, who discovered Kitt at a Parisian nightclub, reportedly called her “the most exciting woman alive” and gave her that first starring role on stage. The critical response at the time left little room for doubt about whether she belonged there.

The through line to Nyong’o’s situation is hard to miss. Nolan, who addressed the controversy alongside his star in a recent profile, made clear that his decision was driven entirely by what the role required. “The strength and the poise were so important to the character of Helen,” Nolan told Elle. “And Lupita makes it look effortless.”

Nyong’o has met the storm with precisely that kind of composure. Speaking with Elle, she cut directly to the point: “This is a mythological story.” Asked about engaging with the critics, she was equally measured: “I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.” She described the experience of being part of the ensemble as “quite something,” adding that the film “spans worlds” and that the breadth of its cast reflects exactly that ambition.

‘The Odyssey’ is set to arrive in theaters on July 17, 2026, and the precedent Eartha Kitt set on a Paris stage over seven decades ago now feels more relevant than ever. Welles made his choice in 1950, when the cultural barriers were immeasurably higher than anything we face today, and history called it excellent. Whether you think that precedent changes the conversation around Nolan’s film, or whether you believe the debate will rage on regardless, is exactly the kind of question worth putting to the comments.