Elon Musk’s plan to produce an AI-generated feature film adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic “The Odyssey,” which he claims will be “historically accurate,” has sparked widespread public reaction following his dissatisfaction with director Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster release.
During a late-night appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” guest host Colman Domingo ridiculed Musk’s pitch. “Now Elon Musk is planning to create what he calls a ‘historically accurate’ version of ‘The Odyssey,’ using his Grok AI,” Domingo said. “And by ‘historically accurate,’ he means whiter than Christmas at Cracker Barrel.”
Domingo added that Musk’s project stems from anger over the diversity casting choices for the adaptation. “This is all because Elon and his Musketeers are upset over the diversity casting of ‘The Odyssey,’” he remarked. He further quipped, “I don’t wanna get technical here, but you can’t make a historically accurate version of something that is totally made the f up. I mean, ‘The Odyssey’ is fiction — like ‘The Hunger Games,’ or the president’s cognitive exams.”
“Come on, doesn’t Elon Musk have better things to do? Wasn’t this bh supposed to be on Mars by now?” Domingo joked.
Skepticism over Musk’s claim of historical accuracy arises from the fact that Homer’s work is a fictional poem written nearly 2,800 years ago. It features legendary mythic elements including a cyclops, six-headed sea monsters, and a witch capable of transforming men into swine.
Despite the fantastical nature of the source material, Musk announced on his social media platform X that his AI tool Grok Imagine would deliver a feature-length adaptation by year’s end. He stated: “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’s announcement follows a series of grievances regarding Nolan’s film, which earned $264 million globally in its opening weekend. He previously criticized Nolan online for allegedly “desecrating” the Odyssey to qualify for an Academy Award.
Musk’s complaints centered on casting choices. When Time magazine reported that Academy Award-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o was set to portray Helen of Troy — described in Homer as the most beautiful woman whose face “launched a thousand ships” — conservative commentator Matt Walsh criticized Nolan on X, writing: “Not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong’o is ‘the most beautiful woman in the world.’ But Christopher Nolan knows that he would be called racist if he gave ‘the most beautiful woman’ role to a white woman. Nolan is technically talented but a coward.”
Musk amplified Walsh’s post with the comment “True.” He also dismissed early reports that trans actor Elliot Page was being considered for the role of Achilles, labeling it “one of the dumbest and most twisted things I’ve ever heard.”
