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Ben Shapiro Praises ‘The Odyssey’ as a “Masterpiece” Despite Elliot Page Casting Criticism
Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro has praised Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of The Odyssey as a "masterpiece" in an 18-minute YouTube review, despite the movie facing pre-release criticism from some conservative commentators over the casting of trans actor Elliot Page. Shapiro's largely positive verdict runs counter to backlash brewing in right-wing media circles, and he urged fellow conservatives not to boycott the film or dismiss it before seeing it, arguing its broader themes align with conservative values.
Shapiro rated the film 8.5 out of 10 and praised Matt Damon as Odysseus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous and Tom Holland as Telemachus, while also defending the casting of Zendaya as Athena and Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy against criticism that they don't look sufficiently Greek. However, he singled out Elliot Page's casting as Sinon for personal criticism, making disparaging remarks about Page's gender identity and physical appearance, and speculated without evidence about Nolan's reasons for casting them. Despite this objection, Shapiro predicted the film would not suffer commercially, noting audiences tend to overlook perceived flaws when a film is otherwise entertaining.
In short
- Ben Shapiro calls Nolan's The Odyssey a "masterpiece", rating it 8.5/10.
- He criticises Elliot Page's casting with personal, disparaging remarks.
- Shapiro urges conservatives to see the film despite their objections.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Art should be evaluated primarily on artistic quality rather than allowing ideological objections to particular casting choices to override appreciation of overall excellence. Audiences engage more constructively with culture when they assess works fairly and openly, which Shapiro demonstrates by acknowledging his casting disagreement whilst recognizing the film's merit. Encouraging this approach fosters a healthier culture in which people can support genuinely accomplished work without requiring perfect ideological alignment on every creative decision.
The case against
Casting decisions are creatively significant choices reflecting artistic and ideological priorities, making them legitimate grounds for critical evaluation and for decisions about whether to support a film. Consumer choices inevitably express values—there is no neutral position—and individuals reasonably select what entertainment to fund based on whether creative choices align with their beliefs. Asking people to support films regardless of ideological concerns effectively pressures them to compromise their principles in service of entertainment.
Explained simply
The Odyssey is one of the most celebrated works of ancient literature, telling the story of a Greek hero's long journey home after the Trojan War. Modern film adaptations of classical texts often become subjects of broader cultural debate about how ancient stories should be interpreted for contemporary audiences.
Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation of The Odyssey has attracted controversy in conservative media, with some commentators objecting to the casting of Elliot Page, a trans actor, in the film. The project has prompted calls for boycotts from some conservative voices.
Ben Shapiro is a prominent right-wing political and cultural commentator with a large media audience who regularly reviews films and cultural products. His response to the Odyssey adaptation has become notable because he represents a different perspective within conservative circles from those calling for the film to be dismissed or boycotted.