Elon Musk criticised Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey,” renewing online debate over the IMAX epic.
The criticism followed a Time profile that confirmed Nyong’o will play both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem. People also reported the dual role on May 13.
Musk reacted on X after posts questioned the casting, accusing Nolan of losing integrity over the choice, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Universal Pictures describes “The Odyssey” as a mythic action epic shot worldwide with new IMAX film technology. The film opens in cinemas on July 17, 2026, according to Universal Pictures UK.
The cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron, Universal said. Nolan wrote and directed the film after winning major awards for “Oppenheimer.”
Whoopi Goldberg defended Nyong’o’s casting on “The View,” while actor Alec Baldwin also responded publicly in support of Nyong’o, People reported.
The controversy has also drawn attention because “The Odyssey” adapts a mythological work rather than a modern historical biography. Nolan’s previous film, “Oppenheimer,” won Best Picture and Best Director at the 2024 Academy Awards
