Alec Baldwin Claps Back at Elon Musk Over Lupita Nyong’o Casting as Helen of Troy in ‘The Odyssey’ : ‘She Is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World’
Alec Baldwin has spoken out against Elon Musk’s recent criticism of Lupita Nyong’o’s casting in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, adding another voice to an ongoing online debate about the role.
Baldwin, 68, shared a photo of Nyong’o on Instagram on May 15, responding directly to Musk’s earlier comments about her being cast as Helen of Troy. Musk had questioned the casting choice on social media, suggesting she was not suitable for the role described in mythology as “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
In his post, Baldwin strongly disagreed with that view and defended Nyong’o’s casting. He wrote in the caption, “Dear Elon… but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world…Alec.” His wife, Hilaria Baldwin, also showed support in the comments, reacting with fire and heart emojis.
The discussion began after reports confirmed that Nyong’o will play Helen of Troy in The Odyssey, along with another role as Helen’s sister Clytemnestra. Director Christopher Nolan confirmed the casting in a recent interview with Time magazine, which also detailed how the two characters fit into the story.
Helen of Troy is one of the central figures in Greek mythology and is closely linked to the events of the Trojan War. In Nolan’s version of The Odyssey, the character appears alongside others from the myth, including Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, and Telemachus, played by Tom Holland. Clytemnestra, also played by Nyong’o, is the wife of Agamemnon and is part of another major mythological storyline connected to the war.
Elon Musk, who is CEO of Tesla and owner of X, has repeatedly criticized the casting since rumors first appeared online. In earlier posts, he accused Nolan of “losing integrity” over the decision, claims that sparked further backlash and public debate across social media platforms.
Others have defended Nyong’o’s casting. Actress and host Whoopi Goldberg addressed the controversy on The View, saying Nyong’o is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world and questioning the criticism being made online.
Nyong’o has been linked to the project since late 2024, when her involvement was first reported. While she has not appeared in any trailers so far, her role has now been officially confirmed.
The Odyssey is directed by Christopher Nolan and features a large ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, and Mia Goth. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on July 17.
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