Elon Musk announced on Wednesday that his AI platform, Grok Imagine, will create a full-length film adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey" by the end of the year. Musk stated the project will aim for "historical accuracy" and be "true to the art of Homer." This declaration follows Musk's public criticism of director Christopher Nolan's casting decisions in a recent film adaptation.
Musk specifically took issue with the casting of Black actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and transgender actor Elliot Page as Sinon. In February, Musk commented on an X post that "Nolan has lost his integrity" in response to criticism of Nyong'o's casting. The user argued that Helen of Troy was fair-skinned and blonde, and that such casting choices made the premise incoherent. Musk also expressed agreement with conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who stated that casting a white woman in the role of "the most beautiful woman" would result in accusations of racism, calling Nolan a "coward."
Regarding Elliot Page, Musk reposted commentary critical of the casting, particularly if Page were to portray a masculine role like Achilles, which was rumored. Musk described the idea as "one of the dumbest and twisted things I’ve ever heard," accompanying one post with a laughing emoji in reaction to an AI-generated image depicting Page struggling to open a jar of pickles while in warrior attire.
In May, Musk suggested that Nolan's casting choices were motivated by a desire to win awards. The Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to representatives for Nolan, Nyong'o, Page, and Musk's company for comment.
The current film adaptation, which details King Odysseus's return after the Trojan War, has been a commercial success, grossing over $264 million in its opening weekend. The cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.
Musk's remarks and AI remake plan have drawn criticism. Actor Colman Domingo, guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, quipped that Musk's "historically accurate" version would be "whiter than Christmas at Cracker Barrel." Domingo also questioned the premise of historical accuracy for "The Odyssey," calling it fiction and sarcastically comparing it to "The Hunger Games, or the president's cognitive exams."