Content Advisory: This article discusses race, DEI backlash, transphobic online mockery, and criticism of film casting. Reader discretion is advised.
Elon Musk is facing backlash after doubling down on his criticism of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film ‘The Odyssey’.
The Tesla CEO has repeatedly attacked the movie’s casting, with much of his anger aimed at Lupita Nyong’o reportedly playing Helen of Troy. Musk has claimed Nolan’s casting choices are tied to DEI requirements and Academy Awards eligibility, but many online critics are calling the argument racially charged.
Elon Musk Attacks ‘The Odyssey’ Casting Again
Musk continued his criticism on X, writing that Nolan had “desecrated ‘The Odyssey’” so the film could qualify for an Academy Award.
He also asked who had added what he called “DEI lies” to Academy Awards eligibility rules instead of making awards “just about making the best movie.”
The comment appeared to reference the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards, which were announced in 2020 and implemented for Best Picture eligibility in 2024. The rules require films to meet two out of four standards involving on-screen representation, creative leadership, crew, apprenticeships, or audience development.
However, Musk’s argument quickly drew pushback because Nolan’s previous film, ‘Oppenheimer’, had a largely white cast and still qualified for the Oscars. It went on to win Best Picture.
Lupita Nyong’o Casting Sparks Musk’s Rant
The backlash intensified after Nolan confirmed Nyong’o would play Helen of Troy in ‘The Odyssey’.
Musk amplified a post from conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who claimed “not one person on the planet” believes Nyong’o fits the description of “the most beautiful woman in the world.” Walsh also accused Nolan of being afraid he would be called a racist if he cast a white actress in the role.
Musk replied with “True” and added to his position that Nolan’s casting is being engineered to win awards. That response was enough to set off another wave of criticism.
Many users accused Musk of reducing the issue to race and attacking Nyong’o’s casting because she is a Black actress playing a mythological Greek figure. Supporters of the casting pointed out that Helen of Troy is a mythological character and has been played by non-Greek actresses before.
Critics Call Musk’s Comments Racist
Online critics argued Musk’s criticism was not really about historical accuracy or awards rules.
One common reaction was that the complaint seemed focused almost entirely on Nyong’o’s race. Others said Musk was using DEI as cover for objecting to a Black actress in a major mythological role.
Musk also drew criticism for reposting content mocking Elliot Page, whose role in the movie has not been confirmed. Several users called that part of the backlash unnecessary and cruel.
Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Still Has Major Buzz
Despite the online fight, ‘The Odyssey’ remains one of the most anticipated upcoming films.
The movie is set to open in theaters on July 17 and features a major cast that includes Zendaya, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
For now, Musk’s casting complaints appear to have done what most of his online fights do: turn one movie detail into a larger culture-war argument. But this time, critics say the target is clear, and they are not treating it as a harmless opinion about Hollywood. They are calling it racial backlash against Nyong’o’s casting.
