The blockbuster film The Odyssey opened to a worldwide box office haul of $264 million last weekend, defying right-wing predictions that the big-budget epic would fail commercially due to its diverse casting, according to late-night host Seth Meyers. Speaking on Late Night, Meyers addressed the political backlash surrounding director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the 2,700-year-old poem, noting that conservative critics had dismissed the production as a “commie woke-fest” before its release.
Meyers Mocks Backlash Over Mythological Casting
Much of the online anger targeted Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, who was cast as Helen of Troy. Meyers ridiculed the outrage over casting choices in a fictional story, pointing out the mythological origins of the character. According to Meyers, critics became “poem cops” over a narrative featuring a character who “hatched from an egg that was the result of Zeus turning into a swan who had sex with a goddess.” Despite conservative pundits pushing the mantra “you go woke, you go broke,” the film’s massive global opening proved the anti-woke boycott ineffective.
Did you know?
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation brings the ancient epic back to the big screen with a massive global budget, drawing immense box office numbers despite pre-release internet controversy.
Elon Musk’s AI Film Proposal and Political Critique
Among the film’s most vocal critics was Elon Musk, whom Meyers described as the world’s richest and “weirdest” man. Musk claimed he would produce a “historically accurate” version of the epic using his artificial intelligence tool Grok. Meyers dismissed the proposal bluntly, stating, “I can’t wait for that to suck,” and adding that the source material is a myth.
Meyers expanded his critique to broader political claims made by conservatives, comparing their inaccurate film predictions to foreign policy assessments. According to Meyers, the right claimed the ongoing conflict involving Iran would be a quick success, whereas the situation remains “spiralling further out of control.”
Congressional Clashes and Escalating Tensions
This week, Donald Trump was asked by a journalist about Iran showing no signs of stopping the fight, to which Trump responded by asking if she knew something he didn’t. Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff raised similar questions, pressing Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth over claims made on the fourteenth day of the war that Iran’s military had been destroyed.
According to reports, Hegseth avoided answering Ossoff’s repeated inquiries. The persistent questioning drew a sharp reaction from Trump, who during a political rally referred to Ossoff using the nickname “Pinky Herman,” a remark Meyers joked reflected an alternative reality inside the administration’s bubble.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did The Odyssey make at the box office?
The film opened to a worldwide box office haul of $264 million during its opening weekend.
Why did conservative critics target the movie?
Critics objected to the film’s diverse casting choices, specifically targeting Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy.
What did Elon Musk claim he would do in response?
Elon Musk claimed he would use his AI tool Grok to create a “historically accurate” version of the story.
What are your thoughts on the box office success of The Odyssey and the surrounding cultural debates? Join the discussion in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment and news updates.