Video games news, releases, esports and culture — all the biggest gaming stories in one place.
Well, the Greek Prime Minister Seems Happy With The Odyssey — He Called Christopher Nolan to Thank Him for ‘Stimulating Global Interest in Ancient Greek Culture’
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called director Christopher Nolan on Monday to congratulate him on The Odyssey, thanking him for stimulating global interest in ancient Greek culture. The film, an adaptation of Homer's epic poem, has become a commercial and critical success, and the gesture underlines the perceived cultural and economic benefit to Greece from the production, much of which was filmed in the country.
Mitsotakis praised the film's box office performance, which is on course to exceed $1 billion worldwide, and noted his appreciation that significant filming took place in the Peloponnese, including at Voidokilia Beach, Methoni Castle, Acrocorinth, Almyrolaka Beach and Nestor's Cave. The call came shortly after translator and academic Emily Wilson criticised the film as a "confused" and "abysmal" adaptation, taking issue with its handling of the gods, its central themes and its portrayal of Penelope. The film has also drawn separate criticism from Elon Musk over its casting, and Musk has claimed an AI-generated rival adaptation will be made by Grok before the end of 2026.
In short
- Greek PM thanked Nolan for boosting interest in Greek culture via The Odyssey
- Film nearing $1 billion box office; much of it shot in Greece
- Comes amid criticism from scholar Emily Wilson and Elon Musk
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Mitsotakis’s praise reflects a reasonable view that a popular adaptation can introduce new audiences to ancient Greek culture and bring tourism and economic benefits to filming locations. The film need not be a faithful retelling to prompt interest in Homer and Greece’s cultural heritage.
The case against
A prime minister’s endorsement may appear to conflate commercial success with cultural merit, especially when scholars have raised substantive objections to the adaptation’s treatment of the poem and its characters. The film’s visibility could shape audiences’ understanding of the Odyssey, making fidelity and thoughtful interpretation legitimate concerns even if the production benefits Greece.
Explained simply
The Odyssey is one of the world's most famous ancient texts, an epic poem written by Homer more than 2,700 years ago about the Greek hero Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War. Director Christopher Nolan has adapted this classical work into a major feature film that has achieved considerable commercial success, with worldwide box office earnings approaching $1 billion.
Much of the film was shot across Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese region, with production using historic landmarks and natural locations throughout the area. This has brought significant international attention to ancient Greek culture and heritage, which carries value both culturally and economically for Greece. However, the film has also drawn criticism from scholars and others who question how faithfully it adapts Homer's original narrative and its core themes.