‘The Odyssey’ Is Inspiring Unprecedented Levels of Cope
The movie adaptation of The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, has achieved unprecedented success despite backlash from Elon Musk and the online right. The film's success has led to a reality check for those who predicted its failure, with some acknowledging its achievement while others sink deeper into denial. The movie's box office dominance and potential for awards has shown that the practical craft of filmmaking can beat out AI-generated content.
- ▪The Odyssey movie adaptation has earned $264 million in its opening weekend, defying predictions of its failure.
- ▪Elon Musk and other conservative commentators had criticized the film's casting choices, including Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and Elliot Page as Sinon.
- ▪Despite the backlash, the film has received positive reviews and is expected to continue its box office dominance.
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Miles KleeCultureJul 22, 2026 3:26 PMThe Odyssey’s Success Is Inspiring Unprecedented Levels of CopeElon Musk and the online right convinced themselves that Christopher Nolan’s “woke” epic would go down in flames. Now they’re crashing out.Photo-Illustration: Jobanny Cabrera; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFor months, Elon Musk and the right-wing cranks he caters to on X have whipped themselves into a raging froth over the supposed desecration of an ancient Greek poem by one of the most successful movie directors alive.Now that their manufactured backlash has bombed, they’re searching for ways to cope with the reality that they are increasingly divorced from popular opinion.Christopher Nolan’s artistic crimes in bringing The Odyssey…
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