Seth Meyers took a sharp jab at Elon Musk's plan to produce a 'historically accurate' version of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey using his AI tool Grok, declaring 'I can't wait for that to suck' during a recent episode of Late Night. The comedian's critique came as part of a broader takedown of right-wing commentators who had dismissed Nolan's big-budget epic as a 'commie woke-fest' due to its diverse casting.
The Woke Debate and Box Office Reality
Meyers highlighted how the right's mantra 'you go woke, you go broke' was soundly disproven when The Odyssey opened to a staggering $264 million worldwide box office haul. 'It means that woke is back,' Meyers said, adding that the right's inability to predict a hit stems from the fact that 'most of them haven't seen a movie in theatres since Fast and Furious.'
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The actor specifically noted the absurdity of attacking Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o for playing Helen of Troy—a character born from a swan-egg conceived by Zeus. 'White lady stuff,' Meyers joked, while labeling Trump supporters as 'poem cops' for their sudden interest in ancient Greek literature.
Elon Musk's AI Intervention
Musk, who Meyers called the world's richest and 'weirdest' man, has vowed to create a 'historically accurate' AI-generated version of the film using his Grok tool. Meyers responded by quipping, 'It's a myth! Are you also making a historically accurate version of The Santa Clause?' He then pivoted to the right's failed predictions on foreign policy, noting that the Iran war—which they once touted as a success—is 'definitely not over' and 'spiralling further out of control.'
Comparison: Nolan's Odyssey vs. Musk's AI Version
| Aspect | Nolan's The Odyssey | Musk's AI Version (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $250 million (estimated) | Unknown (likely lower using AI) |
| Cast | Diverse, including Lupita Nyong'o, Matt Damon, Zendaya | AI-generated characters |
| Box Office (Opening Weekend) | $264 million | N/A |
| Historical Accuracy | Creative interpretation of a 2,700-year-old poem | Claimed 'historically accurate' (despite the myth) |
| Reception | Critical and commercial success | Widely mocked |
Key Takeaways
- Seth Meyers leads the charge against Elon Musk's AI movie ambitions, calling them a guaranteed failure.
- The 'woke' debate is reignited after The Odyssey shatters box office expectations.
- Right-wing critics are accused of selective outrage, ignoring the fantastical nature of ancient myths.
- Musk's promise of a 'historically accurate' AI film is seen as a publicity stunt rather than a serious artistic endeavor.
FAQ
Why did Seth Meyers criticize Elon Musk's AI movie?
Seth Meyers mocked Musk's plan to create a 'historically accurate' AI version of The Odyssey, pointing out that the original poem is a myth, not a historical record. He sarcastically expressed eagerness for the project to fail.
What is the controversy around The Odyssey's casting?
Right-wing commentators criticized the film's diverse cast, particularly Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, calling it 'woke.' Meyers highlighted the absurdity of applying modern political labels to a 2,700-year-old poem.
What does the box office success of The Odyssey signify?
The film's $264 million opening weekend disproves the right-wing claim that 'going woke leads to going broke.' Meyers sees it as proof that inclusive storytelling resonates with global audiences.
As the cultural battle over The Odyssey continues, Meyers' monologue underscores a growing frustration with what he views as politically motivated film criticism. Whether Musk actually follows through on his AI version remains to be seen, but the comedian's prediction is clear: it will 'suck.'