Elon Musk has entered an online debate over casting in The Odyssey, criticizing director Christopher Nolan after first-look images revealed that Lupita Nyong’o would play Helen in Nolan’s forthcoming adaptation.
Many people voiced their frustration over images from the $250 million production, filmed in IMAX, that surfaced showing the actress playing Helen by the sea in a chiton. This has sparked a flurry of activity on social media, with some critics noting that Helen was described as “white-armed” and “golden-haired” in ancient texts, a description closely linked to the Homeric epics.
Memes have surfaced on social media disparaging the casting decision, with some jokingly titled “Helen of DeTROYt” and others praising the actress and citing her illustrious filmography and award-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave.
In the argument over the film, a social media user defended the actress and the movie, saying, “The argument about historical accuracy needs to be forgotten, and the fantastical roots of the story revisited. This woman is a genius and has a commanding screen presence. Let’s not forget the amazing films she has been a part of, 12 Years a Slave, anyone?”
However, another social media user stated, “The fact remains, the beauty and grace of Helen are the entire premise for the story. Perhaps the casting decision will not serve the narrative as well as some might have hoped.”
Musk entered the fray with a short post on X, saying, “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.” This has gone viral rapidly, with some praising the director and others disparaging the film and its production.
Nolan’s The Odyssey features an illustrious cast, with Matt Damon playing Odysseus and Zendaya playing Athena. The film was shot on location in Greece and Italy and is described as an “epic journey with monsters, gods, and the long voyage home.”
There has been no official word from the director or the production on the matter.
