Sunday afternoon, Elon Musk lashed out at director Christopher Nolan, claiming that he “has lost integrity.” The comment stemmed from a rumor that Lupita Nyong’o has been cast as Helen of Troy in Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey.
Elon Musk via AutismCapital on X
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While many users on social media, including Musk, have accepted the rumor that Nyong’o has been cast as Helen of Troy as fact, it remains unverified. Deadline reports that Nyong’o joined the cast in November 2024, though her role remains unclear.
The rumor, which has been circulating for some time, may have gained renewed traction due to other recent reports.
The Source of the Rumors
In March 2025, the X account Nolan Archive posted that Nyong’o was being rumored for both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. In Homer’s poems, Helen’s abduction serves as the catalyst for the Trojan War, the conflict that ultimately keeps Odysseus from returning home. While not a central character in The Odyssey, she does appear in the text. It would not be surprising if Nolan chooses to include her in the film.
Scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey – Universal Pictures, YouTube
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The director has tackled historical events before, including the Academy Award-nominated Dunkirk and his Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer. However, The Odyssey is Nolan’s first time delving into mythology. The epic is already receiving some controversy over its racially diverse cast, which includes Travis Scott in an unspecified role and Zendaya as the goddess Athena.
While many are willing to take a wait-and-see approach to the film, for Musk and others, a Black actress playing Helen of Troy could be a step too far.
Growing Controversy
In response to the rumor and the added attention from Musk, many users on X went back to the poem and Homer’s description of Helen of Troy. In it, she is described as “white-armed.”
Shot from the trailer for The Odyssey – Universal Pictures, YouTube
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If the rumors of a race-swapped Helen of Troy are true, Nolan may have his reasons. Financial commentator Wall Street Mav suggested that the film production may need to meet DEI requirements in order to receive certain tax credits. The Odyssey reportedly has a $250 million budget and was shot entirely on IMAX cameras. Even tentpole films from award-winning directors with all-star casts carry major financial risk. Universal may have pressured Nolan to make changes to mitigate some of the cost.
However, it’s a movie already facing backlash for confirmed casting decisions, including actor Elliot Page, a biological female who identifies as male. Additionally, one member of the cast, John Leguizamo, is telling a large portion of the audience not to see the movie. Musk shining a spotlight on the potential Helen of Troy casting is adding to the studio’s perceived risk.
The Main Conflict
Ultimately, no one connected to the film has confirmed whether anyone is playing Helen of Troy. It appears that for Musk, maintaining a sense of historical accuracy is a matter of integrity. Nolan’s objective is to make a movie worthy of the IMAX format and the epic source material. Both would likely agree that the story is what matters most.
Lupita Nyong’o – Harper’s Bazaar UK, YouTube
No matter who plays “The Face That Launched 1,000 Ships,” the discussion online has sparked thousands of posts. The debate surrounding The Odyssey will undoubtedly continue until the film’s release.
What do you think of the rumors that Lupita Nyong’o has been cast as Helen of Troy? Sound off in the comments!
Hollywood continues its propaganda quest to rewrite history. It’s exasperating. Boycott it, cancel it, downvote it, it’s our patriotic duty!
John Leguizamo told me not to go see his movies, I for one intend to honor his wishes.
She should have no role in the Odyssey. Zendaya is already in the movie, so I’m definitely not watching it.
Don’t forget that ELLEN Page is in it, too.
Oof. So many reasons to skip it.