Elon Musk slams Christopher Nolan for casting Lupita Nyong’o as Helen in The Odyssey: ‘Chris Nolan has lost his integrity’

Elon Musk chimed in on the controversy surrounding the rumoured casting of Nyong’o in Nolan’s fantasy action project.

• Elon Musk criticized Lupita Nyong'o's rumored casting in Nolan's The Odyssey
• Social media debate erupted over Nyong'o's potential role as Helen of Troy
• Lupita Nyong'o's role in The Odyssey has not been officially confirmed

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Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has expressed his disapproval over the alleged casting of actress Lupita Nyong’o in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.

Elon Musk chimed in on the controversy surrounding the rumoured casting of Nyong’o in Nolan’s fantasy action project.

He responded to a tweet claiming that Helen of Troy was ‘fair skinned and blonde,’ arguing that the casting choice, not yet finalised, contradicts what was written thousands of years ago in Homer’s Greek epic The Odyssey. Elon wrote, "Chris Nolan has lost his integrity."

The comments sparked debate on social media, dividing fans. While some defended the casting choice, others criticised Nolan for his decision regarding the role.

Chris Nolan has lost his integrity

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2026

Nyong’o and Nolan had previously collaborated on an untitled project in November 2024. It wasn’t until the following December that the project was revealed to be The Odyssey, according to Variety. However, Lupita Nyong’o’s specific role in the film has yet to be officially confirmed.

The daughter of Kenyan politician Anwang’ Nyong’o, Lupita has starred in numerous high-profile films and received multiple accolades. For her performance in 12 Years a Slave (2013), she earned widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is also a recipient of an Actor Award and a Daytime Emmy Award.

Also read: Travis Scott to make acting debut in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, watch teaser

Christopher Nolan began writing The Odyssey in March 2024, with the film officially announced in December of the same year. Filming took place in 2025 across locations including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, and the Western Sahara. The movie marks Nolan’s first project to be shot entirely on IMAX’s 70 mm film cameras.

Nolan’s previous film, Oppenheimer, based on the life of American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, won seven Oscars, five Golden Globes, and seven BAFTA awards in 2024.