06/05/2026
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Presenting our next Summer 2026 Issue cover star: .
Nyong’o’s résumé speaks for itself, and this summer, she’s set to star in another major project: Christopher Nolan’s . In a dual role, Nyong’o portrays Helen of Troy—the daughter of Zeus and Leda—as well as Helen’s sister, Clytemnestra. Helen, of course, plays a pivotal role in the Trojan War and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world. “I was so deeply honored to be entrusted with the role,” Nyong’o tells ELLE. “I mean, she is iconic. What more can I say?”
For ELLE’s Summer 2026 issue, the actress discusses for the first time the story behind her casting and filming of the epic, how she’s become more intentional about choosing roles since her 2014 Oscar win, and opening up about her battle with fibroids: “I’m sounding the alarm for myself, because I have normalized my own pain for too long.” Read the full interview at the link in bio.
ELLE:
Editor-in-chief: Nina Garcia
Photographer: Norman Jean Roy
Stylist: Law Roach
Writer: Juliana Ukiomogbe
Hair: Vernon François for Olaplex
Makeup: Nick Barose for Chanel Beauty .beauty
Manicure: Bagir K
Set design: Marla Weinhoff at 11th House Agency
Produced by Alexey Galetskiy Productions