Kiko Martinez from Remezcla writes about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey bringing Homer’s legendary story to the screen with a large and diverse ensemble that includes six actors of Latin American heritage in notable roles.

The film’s Latino representation spans Colombian, Mexican, Brazilian and Cuban backgrounds, giving audiences an opportunity to see themselves reflected in one of cinema’s largest mythological productions.

John Leguizamo

Colombian-American actor John Leguizamo plays Eumaeus, a devoted servant of Odysseus who remains loyal during the king’s long absence from Ithaca.

Leguizamo has built a celebrated career through productions including Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Menu and his Emmy-winning stage performance Freak.

Lupita Nyong’o

Kenyan-Mexican Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o takes on two roles: Helen of Troy and her twin sister, Clytemnestra.

Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave and has appeared in films including Black Panther, Us and A Quiet Place: Day One.

Mia Goth

British actress Mia Goth, who is of Brazilian and Canadian descent, portrays Melantho, a servant to Odysseus and Penelope.

Goth is widely recognized for her performance in Pearl and her role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

Jimmy Gonzales

Mexican-American actor Jimmy Gonzales plays Cepheus, one of Odysseus’ soldiers and loyal shipmates.

His character joins Odysseus as the group confronts dangerous mythological creatures during its journey home. Gonzales is known for roles in Mayans M.C. and The Rookie.

Jesse Garcia

Mexican-American actor Jesse Garcia portrays Menetus, another soldier traveling alongside Odysseus after the Trojan War.

Garcia previously starred as Richard Montañez in Flamin’ Hot and appeared in Narcos: Mexico.

Maurice Compte

Cuban-American actor Maurice Compte appears as a steward serving Menelaus, the king of Sparta.

Compte’s career includes performances in End of Watch, Before Night Falls, Narcos and Mayans M.C.

The inclusion of these six performers expands Latino visibility within a genre in which actors of color have historically received limited representation. Their presence helps introduce a more inclusive vision of an ancient story to contemporary global audiences.

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Source: Remezcla

Photo: Universal Pictures