Ben Shapiro’s YouTube Review of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”

In 2026, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro posted an 18-minute YouTube review of Christopher Nolan’s film *The Odyssey*. He called the adaptation a “masterpiece” and gave it an 8.5/9 rating, while simultaneously urging fellow conservatives to see the movie despite “outrage” over certain casting choices.

Variety Magazine

The film generated pre-release backlash within right-leaning online circles, particularly over the casting of trans actor Elliot Page as Sinon and the inclusion of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. Critics on social media argued that the choices conflicted with historical expectations of Greek appearance. The controversy was amplified by figures such as Elon Musk, who publicly expressed disapproval.

Variety Magazine

Shapiro praised several performances: Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. He defended Nyong’o’s casting, noting that the script downplays Helen’s beauty as a war motive. However, he labeled Page’s casting an “absolute puzzler,” arguing that Page’s physical stature and voice “don’t work” for the role. Shapiro concluded that the film’s broader themes align with conservative values and that viewers should judge the movie on its entertainment merit rather than perceived casting flaws.

Variety Magazine

Right-wing commentators expressed “conservative outrage,” questioning the film’s historical accuracy and casting decisions. Despite this, Nolan told *The Telegraph* that backlash “comes with the territory” for blockbuster projects, citing his decade-long experience with the Batman franchise as evidence that criticism is expected and does not deter his creative choices.

Variety Magazine

• “The movie is a masterpiece,” — Ben Shapiro

Hollywood Reporter

• “Nolan is unparalleled. He’s the best director working today, without a doubt. He just creates iconic movie after iconic movie,” — Ben Shapiro

Variety Magazine

• “I think he’s great in nearly everything. He sort of disappears into the part in a way that he doesn’t in a lot of other movies. He’s great as Odysseus.” — Ben Shapiro

Variety Magazine

• “Elliot Page was a woman with mental issues who believes that she is a man and has had surgeries to make her appear more man-like, but still she is about five foot two inches and 105 pounds, soaking wet, and has the voice of a woman. It doesn’t work,” — Ben Shapiro

Hollywood Reporter