Jon Bernthal has spoken in support of Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Bernthal, who portrays Helen’s husband Menelaus, praised Nyong’o’s presence, beauty and ability to communicate powerful emotions through subtle performances.

Addressing criticism surrounding her casting, Bernthal said audiences should see the completed film before judging Nolan’s interpretation of the character.

Nyong’o portrays both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in the mythic action epic. The cast also includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena and Charlize Theron as Calypso.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey adapts Homer’s foundational story using new IMAX film technology.

The Odyssey is now playing in theaters.