'I, Robot' Director Calls Out Elon Musk: 'Can I Have My Designs Back Please?'

LOADINGERROR LOADINGElon Musk may be viewed as a visionary by his fans, but perhaps not Alex Proyas.After the Tesla CEO showed off his company’s Optimus robots and new self-driving vehicle designs last week in Burbank, California, the filmmaker suggested on Sunday that the products bore a resemblance to the technology seen in his 2004 science fiction blockbuster, “I, Robot.”“Hey Elon,” Proyas wrote on Musk’s X platform, formerly known as Twitter.“Can I have my designs back please?”Advertisement The rhetorical question was accompanied by a triptych of “I, Robot” stills alongside products showcased at the Burbank event, which was titled “We, Robot.”Musk as yet to publicly respond to Proyas.

But supporters of the right-wing billionaire seem to believe that Proyas’ question was out of line.“Be honored.What you did with CGI and a green screen, @elonmusk did in reality,” wrote one user on X, referencing a handle used by Musk.Another said, “you feel you inspired the future yet you’re trying to dunk on the person who made it a reality.”Advertisement Photos show an "I, Robot" design beside actor Will Smith, left, and a Tesla robot.Left: Roberto Pfeil/Associated Press; Right: Ying Tang/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesMusk originally unveiled the Optimus robot in 2022, the same year that he acquired Twitter for about $44 billion.

Though once lauded for his technological ambitions, Musk has recently lost much of his cultural cachet amid his outspoken views on politics.For his part, Proyas was hailed as a visionary long before Musk — who at times has been accused of taking credit for other people’s efforts — became a household name.Support Free JournalismConsider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost.We are sincerely grateful fo...