Christopher Nolan’s latest film, The Odyssey, has become the center of a heated online debate as it approaches its release. As the follow-up to his acclaimed 2023 film Oppenheimer, the movie is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. However, two months before its debut, it has sparked a cultural controversy that has drawn attention from both fans and critics.
The film has already been praised by some as a “masterpiece,” but it has also faced scrutiny since its announcement. Concerns have been raised about costume design and historical accuracy. More recently, right-wing figures, including tech mogul Elon Musk, have criticized the casting choices, particularly the inclusion of Black and transgender actors in key roles.
This backlash is not unique to The Odyssey. In recent years, controversies around casting decisions in adaptations or remakes have become increasingly common, especially when characters are reimagined with actors of different genders or ethnicities. For example, the casting of Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Papa Essiedu as Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter series led to significant backlash, some of which was racist in nature.
Similar discussions arose after Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Zendaya as MJ in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Rachel Zegler as Snow White in Disney’s Snow White remake. These instances highlight a broader trend of resistance against what some on the right label as “woke” projects.
What We Know About Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
The Odyssey is an epic action fantasy film written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. It is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem of the same name, which is believed to have been composed in the 8th or 7th century BC. The story follows Odysseus, the Greek hero and king of Ithaca, as he embarks on a long journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife, Penelope. Along the way, he encounters mythical creatures such as the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe.
Nolan’s adaptation features a star-studded cast and marks his first film since Oppenheimer. Universal has stated that the film was shot across the world, and reports suggest it had a budget of $250 million, making it the most expensive film of Nolan’s career.
The Fallout Over The Odyssey
Criticism of The Odyssey has focused on various aspects, including costuming and perceived historical inaccuracies. Recently, the debate has intensified, particularly regarding the casting of actors like Lupita Nyong’o, Travis Scott, and Elliot Page. Elon Musk, one of the most prominent critics, has repeatedly posted critical comments about the film on his social media platform, X.
Musk has responded to posts alleging that Nolan is “racist against the Greek people and their cultural heritage.” He also supported a post by Matt Walsh, a commentator for The Daily Wire, who claimed that Nyong’o was cast as Helen of Troy because Nolan feared being called racist if he chose a white actress for the role. Musk replied “True” to this post.
Defenders of the film argue that Helen of Troy is a mythological figure, and there is no evidence of her real-life appearance. They also point out that the criticism has often been misogynistic, racist, and transphobic in nature.
What Has Christopher Nolan Said About the Backlash?
In a recent interview with Time, Nolan defended the casting of rapper Travis Scott as a bard in the film. He explained that he chose Scott to pay homage to the oral tradition of storytelling, which he compared to rap.
Nolan also emphasized that his approach to researching The Odyssey was similar to how he approached Interstellar, where he consulted scientists to ensure the film’s scientific accuracy. He told Time, “For Interstellar, you’re looking at, ‘What is the best speculation of the future?’ When you’re looking at the ancient past, it’s actually the same thing. What is the best speculation, and how can I use that to create a world?”
Who Is Elliot Page Playing in The Odyssey?
Elliot Page’s role in The Odyssey has not yet been officially confirmed. However, there are speculations that he may be playing Achilles, as indicated by predictions on the Polymarket. Page previously worked with Nolan on Inception and came out as transgender in 2020. Many of the criticisms targeting his casting in The Odyssey have been transphobic, with Musk reposting several such posts.
Online transphobia remains a serious issue. A 2023 survey by the Anti-Defamation League found that three-quarters of trans individuals have experienced online abuse. Between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, GLAAD’s ALERT Desk recorded 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents in the U.S. and D.C., with 52% specifically targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming people.
Who Is in the Cast of The Odyssey?
Here is the confirmed cast of The Odyssey:
- Matt Damon – Odysseus
- Tom Holland – Telemachus
- Anne Hathaway – Penelope
- Robert Pattinson – Antinous
- Lupita Nyong’o – Helen of Troy / Clytemnestra
- Zendaya – Athena
- Charlize Theron – Calypso
- Jon Bernthal – Menelaus
- Benny Safdie – Agamemnon
- Mia Goth – Melantho
- John Leguizamo – Eumaeus
- Samantha Morton – Circe
- Himesh Patel – Eurylochus
- Bill Irwin – Polyphemus
- Jimmy Gonzales – Cepheus
Other cast members whose roles have not yet been confirmed include Elliot Page, Logan Marshall-Green, Ryan Hurst, James Remar, Josh Stewart, Will Yun Lee, Elyes Gabel, Corey Hawkins, Maurice Compte, Nick E. Tarabay, Travis Scott, Shiloh Fernandez, Markie Farnsley, Iddo Goldberg, Rafi Gavron, Niko Nicotera, Jamie Harris, Jesse Garcia, Michael Vlamis, Adam Croasdell, Ryan de Quintal, Anthony Molinari, Stephen Murphy, Kamden Riley, Matt Lasky, Andrei Lenart, Jorge Leon, Douglas Rouillard, and Jarreth J. Merz.
When Is The Odyssey Out in Theatres?
The Odyssey is set to be released in theaters on July 17.
