Homer Was the Homer of the Zulus
The Atlantic analyzes the right-wing backlash against Christopher Nolan's film 'The Odyssey,' arguing that the criticism is driven by the inclusion of Black and trans actors rather than the film's political themes. The author suggests the film actually serves as a critique of Trumpist radicalism.
Why it matters
It illustrates the intersection of modern culture wars, identity politics, and the interpretation of classical literature in contemporary American political discourse.
The right-wing backlash to The Odyssey is about portraying civilization as a whites-only project.
Illustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Getty. July 24, 2026, 2:18 PM ET Share Save This article contains spoilers for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
In a different time, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey would have been celebrated by the American right as a conservative film. Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s epic poem is about the unintended consequences of breaking with tradition in pursuit of short-term gain.
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