The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, has been facing considerable backlash on social media for its casting choices. At its centre are the casting of Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong’o. The latter plays Helen of Troy in the film. Many social media users have criticised casting a black woman to play a character from ancient Greece, while others have defended the choice saying Odyssey is a work of fiction, open for interpretation.
Now, Tesla CEO and world’s richest man Elon Musk has also waded into the controversy, criticising Nolan and saying he has ‘race-swapped’ characters as ‘he wants awards’. Musk owns the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where much of the discourse around The Odyssey is taking place.
The controversy began after Nolan confirmed that Lupita would portray Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra in the epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem.
Elon Musk criticises Nolan’s The Odyssey
Reacting to the casting on social media platform X, conservative commentator Matt Walsh wrote, “Not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong’o is ‘the most beautiful woman in the world.’ But Christopher Nolan knows that he would be called racist if he gave ‘the most beautiful woman’ role to a white woman. Nolan is technically talented but a coward. Too afraid to do anything that even slightly challenges the spirit of the age.” Elon Musk reposted the post with a brief endorsement: “True.”
In another post, Musk replied to a user questioning why filmmakers “race swap white characters,” saying, “He wants the awards.” The remark seemed to suggest that Nolan’s casting choice was linked to diversity and inclusion standards needed for awards eligibility. Earlier, when the casting was first announced, Musk had called it “an insult” to Homer’s description of Helen of Troy. Over the week, Musk reposted and responded to several other tweets criticising the film and Lupita’s casting.
Whoopi Goldberg defends Lupita
Recently, actor and television host Whoopi Goldberg defended on an episode of the talk show, The View. “I don’t know if you realize this, Lupita is also considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. So, I’m not sure what you’re trying to say. I would suggest looking in a mirror if you have any concerns about people’s looks,” the veteran actor said.
All about The Odyssey
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, with Anne Hathaway playing his wife Penelope. The film is based on Homer’s epic poem chronicling Odysseus’ dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The Odyssey also stars om Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Elliot Page. It is scheduled to release on July 17, 2026.