Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Elon Musk has entered the debate over Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, saying the director “wants the awards” amid criticism over Lupita Nyong’o being cast as Helen of Troy. Musk, who owns the social media platform X where much of the discussion has played out, also backed posts accusing Nolan of “race-swapping” characters.
Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic has been facing strong reactions on social media over its casting choices, particularly those of Elliot Page and Nyong’o. While many users have objected to a black woman being cast as a character from ancient Greece, others have defended the decision, arguing that The Odyssey is a work of fiction and open to interpretation.
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The controversy gathered pace after Nolan confirmed Nyong’o’s role in the adaptation, with social media discussion centring on Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. Reacting on 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.” Musk reposted the comment with a one-word response: “True.”
In another post, Musk replied to a user asking why filmmakers “race swap white characters”, writing, “He wants the awards.” The comment appeared to link Nolan’s casting decision to diversity and inclusion standards associated with 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 past week, he also reposted and replied to several other posts critical of the film and Nyong’o’s casting.
Nyong’o’s casting was defended recently by actor and television host Whoopi Goldberg on The View. “I don’t know if you realise 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,” Goldberg said.
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope. Based on Homer’s epic poem, the film follows Odysseus’ dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The cast also includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Elliot Page. The film is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026, even as debate over its casting continues online.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
