Tech billionaire Elon Musk is facing criticism from celebrities and the public after weighing in on casting speculation involving Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o in the upcoming film The Odyssey.
Musk’s comments, posted on his social platform X, suggested that director Christopher Nolan had “lost his integrity” if Nyong’o was cast in a role widely reported online to be inspired by Helen of Troy — a character from classical mythology.
Musk responded to fan speculation about the casting, even though Nyong’o’s specific role in the film has not been officially confirmed by the studio.
The remarks triggered immediate responses from figures in entertainment media.
Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of the U.S. talk show The View, publicly rejected Musk’s implication that casting Nyong’o would be inappropriate. Goldberg highlighted Nyong’o’s talent and beauty, urging Musk to reconsider commenting on creative decisions unrelated to his industry.
“Look in a mirror,” Goldberg said, in a rebuke to Musk’s public criticism.
Another View co-host, Sunny Hostin, directly labeled Musk’s comments “racist,” arguing that creative casting should not be limited by narrow expectations tied to race or outdated stereotypes.
Reaction on social media was swift and widespread. Many users defended Nyong’o and Nolan’s creative freedom, noting that adaptations of mythological works often deviate from traditional physical descriptions and that diverse casting is increasingly common in Hollywood.
Some commentators also questioned why a tech CEO would join discussions about film casting, arguing that speculation about roles should be left to entertainment industry insiders rather than public figures outside the field.
Lupita Nyong’o has been officially confirmed as part of the cast of The Odyssey, the upcoming film directed by Christopher Nolan.
However, the studio has not disclosed which character she will portray in the adaptation. Online speculation has linked Nyong’o to the role of Helen of Troy, but this has not been verified by the filmmakers.
Neither Nolan nor the production team has issued a casting breakdown naming specific roles. Elon Musk’s remarks were made in reaction to this unverified online speculation rather than any formal announcement.
The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan and featuring a high-profile international cast, is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026. The film adaptation has generated significant buzz for its ambitious scale and star-studded lineup.