While wokeism has been beaten back in many parts of America, it’s far from dead in Hollywood.

British-American filmmaker Christopher Nolan is known for directing cerebral blockbusters like Interstellar and Oppenheimer. His next project is an adaptation of the timeless Greek saga The Odyssey and is already sparking a bit of controversy.

First, it’s being rumored that Elliot (Ellen) Page, a biological woman, will be playing the hulking masculine role as Achilles in Nolan’s upcoming film.

It’s important to note that while Page is reportedly cast in the film, it has not been confirmed which part the actor will play.

Elliot Page will play Achilles in The Odyssey (2026).

Brad Pitt portrayed Achilles earlier in Troy (2004). pic.twitter.com/sKe3k5g58n

— Best Cine Moments 🍿 (@SceneinCinema) May 6, 2026

The Hollywood Reporter only added fuel to the rumors that Nolan’s rendition of The Odyssey will be a “woke nightmare” by blasting the American accents of the actors.

‘The Odyssey’: Everybody Using American Accents Is Definitely a Choice https://t.co/Bh55HIUjYD

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 5, 2026

X users yearning to be free from not-so-hidden woke agendas blasted The Hollywood Reporter in return:

Wait a minute! Are you telling me that Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix weren’t speaking in authentic languages and accents in “Gladiator”?!?

What is the world coming to?

— Wonko the Sane (@Amuk31) May 5, 2026

I was hoping that all of the dialogue in The Odyssey would be in Ancient Greek or, failing that, spoken with an appropriately thick and only partially intelligible Greek accent

— Enguerrand VII de Coucy (@ingelramdecoucy) May 5, 2026

Although some folks somewhat agreed, arguing that European accents would be more fitting.

I can’t believe I amsaying this but yes the American accent is very distracting and I have no idea why a British director like Christopher Nolan didn’t choose proper British actors for an epic movie like this one and even the 2 main British actors he chose are horrible actors…

— Bekou Movies (@bekoumovies) May 5, 2026

American actors should be able to pull off European accents, no? They’re actors!

Then again, sometimes there’s just no pleasing people.

I find every casting choice distracting. I would’ve appreciated a bunch of no-name or less known actors that Nolan could pair with maybe one or two big names. But I’m not feeling this film after the trailer.

— Adam Castillo (@adam_m_castillo) May 5, 2026

You can watch the trailer below:

(Video Credit: Universal Pictures)

The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong’o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron, and will be released on July 17.

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