In a recent turn of events, Elon Musk has found himself in hot water with filmmaker Alex Proyas, known for directing the iconic sci-fi film I, Robot. Proyas took to social media to accuse Musk of borrowing heavily from the designs showcased in his 2004 movie, featuring Will Smith as the lead. This accusation emerged shortly after Musk unveiled new prototypes for Tesla’s self-driving vehicles, including a highly anticipated robotaxi dubbed the Cybercab and an autonomous Robovan.
The sleek, futuristic look of Musk’s prototypes raised eyebrows, with fans on social media quickly drawing parallels to the mechanical designs portrayed in I, Robot. Proyas wasted no time in addressing this perceived design theft, tweeting directly at Musk and asking, “Hey Elon, can I have my designs back please?” His tweet not only highlighted the similarities but also sparked a broader conversation on intellectual property in the tech and film industries.
Set in a futuristic Chicago in 2035, I, Robot explores a world where androids carry out various public service roles under the guidance of Isaac Asimov’s three laws of robotics. The film not only featured Smith but also co-stars Bridget Moynahan and Alan Tudyk, weaving a narrative around a detective unraveling a mysterious death linked to a robotics company.
Musk’s recent presentation at Tesla’s “We, Robot” event showcased not just the Cybercab, characterized by its wing-like doors and absence of traditional control elements, but also the Robovan, designed to accommodate goods and passengers alike. However, despite the buzz surrounding this unveiling, the event was met with a disappointing response from investors, resulting in a notable decline in stock prices.
Proyas is set to kick off a new project in Sydney, Australia, where he will direct a sci-fi satire titled R.U.R. beginning later this month. This is not the first instance where Musk’s automotive designs have been scrutinized for their resemblance to sci-fi cinematic visions. The controversial Cybertruck was previously likened to vehicles from the film Total Recall, indicating a pattern that has caught the attention of both fans and industry watchers alike.
As the tension continues to escalate between Proyas and Musk, one thing is clear: the intersection of technology and art is fraught with challenges, especially when it comes to originality and innovation.