Elon Musk Criticizes Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Over Lupita Nyong’o as Helen
Elon Musk recently stated his concerns about Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” which stars Lupita Nyong’o as the character Helen of Troy. Musk voiced his opinion on X, claiming that Nolan “has lost his integrity” regarding Nyong’o’s casting.
Musk’s Critique of Nyong’o as Helen
This discussion began when a user on X suggested that casting Nyong’o, a Black actress, as Helen of Troy might insult Homer, the ancient poet who described her as “fair skinned and blonde” in his epic poem, “The Odyssey,” written around 700 BCE. Musk replied to the post, further fueling the debate about the film’s casting choices.
About “The Odyssey”
“The Odyssey,” directed by Nolan, was first reported in November 2024 as a collaboration with Nyong’o. The project was officially revealed shortly after in December 2024. Although Nyong’o’s role remains unconfirmed, she is part of a star-studded cast including:
- Matt Damon
- Tom Holland
- Anne Hathaway
- Robert Pattinson
- Zendaya
- Charlize Theron
- Jon Bernthal
- Benny Safdie
- Elliot Page
- Travis Scott
Travis Scott, a ten-time Grammy nominee, joins the cast, making his role known during a TV spot aired on Fox during the NFL AFC Championship game. In the teaser, Scott’s character commands attention in a room full of soldiers, including characters played by Holland and Bernthal.
Innovative Filming Techniques
Notably, “The Odyssey” marks a significant advancement in filmmaking as the first narrative feature to be shot entirely with Imax cameras. Previous technical limitations made it challenging to film intimate scenes. However, a new film casing known as a “blimp” has been developed to minimize the noise from these cameras, enabling quieter settings. Nolan praised this innovation, stating it allows for more intimate performances without sacrificing sound quality.
The anticipation surrounding “The Odyssey” continues to grow as discussions about its casting and production techniques capture public attention.