Here Are the Latinos in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Credit: Universal Pictures
Representation in Hollywood has the power to reshape how audiences see the oral traditions that have been passed down for generations. With The Odyssey, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) has embraced an expansive vision of ancient Greece by assembling a diverse acting ensemble, including several Latinos in significant roles.
Their inclusion in this classic, mythological tale challenges Hollywood’s conventional practice of erasing people of color from sweeping period epics and allows more moviegoers to see themselves reflected in one of the most anticipated films of the year.
From legendary heroes to loyal servants, below are six Latino actors who have helped transform The Odyssey into a more representative cinematic experience.
John Leguizamo
Colombian-American actor John Leguizamo stars as Eumaeus, a blind devoted servant of Odysseus (Matt Damon) who remains loyal to his king throughout his 20-year absence from Ithaca. While Odysseus is away, Eumaeus cares for his beloved dog, Argos.
Leguizamo won an Emmy Award in 1999 for his one-man stage performance Freak and has since appeared in films including Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Menu. Reflecting on his role in The Odyssey, Leguizamo told Fandango, “I feel so seen in [The Odyssey]. There are so many period pieces where Latin and Black people are erased. That’s not the case [in The Odyssey]. It’s so beautiful to see yourself represented.”
Lupita Nyong’o
Kenyan Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o takes on dual roles as Helen of Troy and her twin sister, Clytemnestra. Helen, described in Homer’s epic poem as the most beautiful woman in the world, appears in The Odyssey with severe scars covering one side of her face, presumably at the hands of her husband Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), the Greek king of Sparta.
Nyong’o also portrays Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), the Greek king of Mycenae. Nyong’o won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film debut in 12 Years a Slave and has since starred in Black Panther, Us and A Quiet Place: Day One.
Mia Goth
British actress Mia Goth is of Brazilian and Canadian descent. And she plays Melantho, a servant to Odysseus and his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Melantho carries on a secret romance with Antinous (Robert Pattinson), one of Penelope’s most persistent suitors.
Goth is best known for her acclaimed performance as the title character in Pearl and as Lady Elizabeth Harlander in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
Jimmy Gonzales
Mexican-American actor Jimmy Gonzales plays Cepheus, one of Odysseus’ loyal soldiers and shipmates. Throughout their journey home, Cepheus stands alongside Odysseus as they battle legendary threats, including a Cyclops and the six-headed sea monster known as Scylla.
Gonzales is best known for his time on Mayans M.C. as Canche and recently was on The Rookie as Malvado.
Jesse Garcia
Mexican-American actor Jesse Garcia plays Menetus, another of Odysseus’ loyal soldiers and shipmates. He, too, travels with Odysseus after the events of Troy, where they must navigate waters filled with enchanting yet deadly Sirens, god-sent storms, and a dangerous whirlpool.
Garcia is best known for playing Richard Montañez in Flamin’ Hot and Sal Orozco in Narcos: Mexico.
Maurice Compte
Cuban-American actor Maurice Compte plays an unnamed steward who works for Menelaus, Jon Bernthal’s character. Compte can be seen in films such as End of Watch and Before Night Falls and TV series like Narcos and Mayans M.C.