Elon Musk says his artificial intelligence platform could soon deliver its own version of The Odyssey, positioning the project as an alternative to Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster adaptation that has sparked criticism from some conservatives over its casting choices.
In a post Wednesday on X, Musk announced that Grok Imagine would produce a feature-length version of Homer’s classic epic before the end of the year.
“Before this year ends, Grok Imagine will make a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer,” Musk wrote while responding to a three-minute AI-generated clip inspired by the ancient Greek tale.
The announcement quickly drew attention online, with critics questioning Musk’s description of the project as “historically accurate.” They pointed out that Homer’s epic includes mythical elements such as the Cyclops and other fantastical creatures. Others criticized Musk for relying on artificial intelligence to create the film instead of financing a traditional production himself.
Musk’s comments come as Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey continues its successful theatrical run. The film has grossed more than $250 million worldwide since its release but has also become the subject of criticism from some conservatives, who argue the casting decisions made the project unnecessarily “woke.”
Among the casting choices that have drawn criticism are transgender actor Elliott Page and Black actress Lupita Nyong’o, who portrays Helen of Troy.
Musk has been one of the most outspoken critics of Nolan’s adaptation. He previously claimed the filmmaker had “desecrated” Homer’s poem and made the movie “woke” in an effort to be “eligible” for Oscar recognition.
Despite the backlash from some on the political right, not all conservative commentators have shared Musk’s view of the film.
Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro has praised Nolan’s adaptation, breaking with many conservatives who have criticized the movie over its casting and creative decisions.
Fox News personalities Lara Trump and Griff Jenkins also recently praised the epic during appearances on the network while Nolan was promoting the film.
For his part, Nolan has largely brushed aside the criticism surrounding the project.
In an interview with The Telegraph, the acclaimed director addressed the controversy over the film’s historical accuracy, use of modern dialogue, and casting choices, suggesting that much of the debate has taken place before audiences have even seen the finished product.
“Comes with the territory,” Nolan said. “But look, these conversations that happen before people see the film — they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet.”
Audience reaction to the movie has been overwhelmingly positive. Opening weekend moviegoers awarded The Odyssey an “A” CinemaScore, while the film also delivered the biggest domestic opening weekend for any live-action movie released this year, bringing in more than $120 million.
Musk has also appeared open to backing a live-action adaptation rather than relying exclusively on artificial intelligence.
In a post Tuesday on X, he responded favorably to a user who suggested that he invest $100 million in a new version of The Odyssey directed by Mel Gibson.
For now, however, Musk appears focused on showcasing what artificial intelligence can accomplish, promising that Grok Imagine will produce its own feature-length adaptation of Homer’s epic before the year is over while the debate surrounding Nolan’s blockbuster continues.
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