Elon Musk is renewing criticism of director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey,” following Nolan’s confirmation that Lupita Nyong’o will play Helen of Troy, and that she will also portray her sister Clytemnestra. Several outlets report that Musk posts on X claiming Nolan cast Nyong’o because “he wants the awards,” and Musk also targets other casting decisions mentioned in coverage.
Nyong’o responds to the backlash, including comments attributed to Musk and other right-wing critics, by pushing back on the idea that she was chosen based on conventional standards of “beauty.” The Hollywood Reporter and New York Post describe her remarks as a rebuttal to critics who question her fit for the role.
The Guardian reports that Nyong’o also addresses the broader controversy, saying the cast is representative of the world. Other coverage situates the dispute within wider debates about historical portrayals and casting choices. Nolan is not reported as changing the casting plan, and the film is described as a major production scheduled for release in July.
