In a recent episode of *Late Night*, Seth Meyers took a sharp jab at the ongoing backlash from right-wing commentators regarding Christopher Nolan’s cinematic interpretation of the ancient poem *The Odyssey*. With a blend of wit and sarcasm, Meyers addressed the absurdity of critics who have dismissed the highly anticipated film as a “woke-fest” simply due to its diverse casting choices.
The Backlash Against Diversity
Meyers began by highlighting the uproar surrounding the casting of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, a character rooted in myth and steeped in fantastical elements. “How dare you cast popular actors in fictional roles in a movie adaptation of a poem written 2,700 years ago,” he quipped, ridiculing the critics who seem more invested in maintaining outdated norms than in celebrating creative storytelling.
This uproar, he suggested, has turned some conservative commentators into “poem cops,” obsessing over the film’s artistic liberties rather than embracing its imaginative premise. The late-night host also pointed out that the film’s critics appear to be out of touch, claiming that their oft-repeated mantra—“you go woke, you go broke”—has been debunked by the film’s staggering opening weekend, which grossed an impressive $264 million globally.
Elon Musk’s Controversial Response
Among the film’s detractors is Elon Musk, who has expressed intentions to produce a “historically accurate” version of *The Odyssey* using his AI tool, Grok. Meyers couldn’t resist mocking Musk’s grand ambitions, stating, “I can’t wait for that to suck,” and playfully questioning the logic behind creating a “historically accurate” adaptation of a myth. “Are you also making a historically accurate version of *The Santa Clause*?” he added, further underlining the absurdity of the critique.
Meyers articulated the notion that the right’s predictions of failure for the film stem from a disconnect with contemporary cinema, suggesting that many of these critics haven’t visited a movie theatre since the *Fast and Furious* franchise was in its prime.
Political Commentary and the Reality of War
The conversation then shifted from the realm of film to current events, as Meyers drew parallels between the political landscape and the ongoing conflict in Iran. He reflected on Trump’s recent remarks in which he appeared unaware of the persistent violence in the region, stating, “I don’t think he’s being sarcastic; I think he’s genuinely asking.” This led to an exploration of the right’s premature declarations of victory regarding the war, which Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff challenged during a hearing with Pentagon officials.
Ossoff’s insistence on questioning the Pentagon chief about the reality of the situation was met with frustration from Trump, who resorted to a bizarre insult directed at Ossoff, calling him “Pinky Herman.” Meyers took the opportunity to compare Trump’s mental landscape to that of a children’s television show, suggesting that the former president’s grasp on reality is significantly skewed.
The Right’s ‘Alternate Reality’
Meyers concluded his segment by asserting that the right often operates within a bubble, detached from the realities faced by the general populace. He emphasised that their perspectives are not only misguided but also detrimental to informed discourse, as they continue to propagate a narrative that fails to align with the experiences of everyday citizens.
Why it Matters
Meyers’ commentary serves as a crucial reminder that art, particularly in its modern adaptations, can and should reflect the diversity of our society. By addressing the backlash against *The Odyssey* and linking it to broader political issues, he highlights the importance of critical engagement with both culture and current events. As audiences navigate an increasingly complex media landscape, voices like Meyers’ are vital in challenging reductive narratives and advocating for a more inclusive representation in film and beyond.
