Elon Musk is facing widespread backlash after he reignited controversy over Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey. The Tesla CEO responded to a post by right-wing commentator Matt Walsh that questioned the casting of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, simply replying: "True."
Casting Announcement Sparks Controversy
Nolan recently confirmed that Nyong'o will play dual roles as both Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra in his adaptation of Homer's epic poem. The film, slated for a July release, has already generated significant buzz due to its star-studded cast, which includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, and Travis Scott.
However, the casting news quickly drew racially charged and misogynistic comments directed at Nyong'o. Many critics pointed out that Helen of Troy was renowned in Greek mythology as the most beautiful woman in the world, leading to unfounded claims that Nyong'o does not fit the role.
Musk's Controversial Endorsement
Walsh had posted on X: "Not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong'o is 'the most beautiful woman in the world.' 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." Musk's endorsement of this post ignited a firestorm on social media.
Users quickly rallied against Musk, calling out the billionaire for promoting racist ideology. One user wrote: "So this is just open racism." Another commented: "Imagine being so racist you have to pretend that Lupita ISN'T one of the most beautiful people alive." A third added: "I actually feel kind of sorry for these men because it must be so sad to be so racist that you can't even appreciate beauty when it falls outside the Eurocentric standard."
Not the First Time
This is not the first time Musk has criticised The Odyssey. In February, he claimed Nolan had "lost his integrity" due to Nyong'o's casting. He has also shared transphobic posts about Elliot Page, who is rumoured to play Achilles, despite Musk's estrangement from his trans daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson.
Nyong'o did not respond to requests for comment. The Odyssey is set for release on July 17, following Odysseus as he journeys home after the Trojan War.
