Elon Musk has once again stirred controversy online after reacting to casting choices in The Odyssey. The billionaire publicly backed criticism aimed at Lupita Nyong’o, whose reported role in the upcoming epic has already sparked heated debate across social media and entertainment circles.
Elon Musk weighs in on Lupita Nyong’o casting again
The latest controversy began after Time magazine confirmed Nyong’o will play Helen of Troy in director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Soon after, conservative commentator Matt Walsh criticized the decision on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the character should have been portrayed by a white actress. Elon Musk responded to Walsh’s post with a short reply: “True.”
Walsh later doubled down and argued Hollywood would react differently if a white actress had been cast as “the most beautiful woman in Africa.” He even mentioned Sydney Sweeney while making his point. Musk again joined the discussion, writing, “Absolutely true. Such hypocrisy in Hollywood.” The exchange quickly spread online and drew criticism from many users who accused both men of pushing racist arguments.
This is not the first time Musk has targeted Nolan’s film. Back in January, when rumors first surfaced about Nyong’o joining the cast, Musk wrote that “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.” He also reacted strongly to speculation that Elliot Page could play Achilles in the movie, calling the rumored casting “one of the dumbest and most twisted things I’ve ever heard.”
Despite the backlash, anticipation around The Odyssey remains high. The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, and Zendaya as Athena. Universal Pictures has not commented on Musk’s statements, while representatives for Nyong’o also declined to respond after The Hollywood Reporter reached out.
Nyong’o remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. After winning an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, she went on to star in Us, Marvel’s Black Panther franchise, and A Quiet Place: Day One.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
