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Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has faced detractors for its star-studded cast, particularly from SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk. The businessman took to social media to blast Nolan’s decision to cast a popular actor in the role of famous historical figure.
What did Elon Musk say about The Odyssey casting?
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Musk voiced his frustration regarding Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy in The Odyssey.
This isn’t the first time that Musk has criticized the filmmaker over this decision. Earlier this year, Musk called the director’s integrity into question over the casting of Nyong’o. Musk also supported conservative political commentator Matt Walsh’s comments on the topic.
Absolutely true. Such hypocrisy in Hollywood.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 13, 2026
“We’re told that we shouldn’t object to Helen of Troy being portrayed as a black woman,” wrote Walsh. “And yet if a major Hollywood studio made a film set in Africa and cast a white woman as ‘the most beautiful woman in Africa,’ those same people would literally riot in the street. If, say, Sydney Sweeney was cast in the role, they’d be driven to murderous violence. We all know this is the case.”
Musk replied, “Absolutely true. Such hypocrisy in Hollywood.”
One user pointed out that to qualify for the Academy Awards nomination, a film must feature at least one non-white actor in a significant role. However, as reported by Variety, the diversity criteria have less to do with casting and take into consideration other factors such as subject matter.
Casting isn’t the only subject that The Odyssey has invited criticism for, as many fans also expressed dissatisfaction with Agamemnon’s matte-black armor. Most recently, Nolan cleared the air on the film’s armor controversy. Besides that, the film also faced controversy following Travis Scott’s casting, which Nolan defended.
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Corey Hawkins, Josh Stewart, Jimmy Gonzales, Maurice Compte, and more.
The Odyssey is set to premiere in theaters on July 17, 2026.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
