Elon Musk has taken to Twitter to call out the ‘woke’ elements of Gladiator 2 – despite not offering an explanation as to why he feels that way about the blockbuster
Elon Musk has sparked confusion on social media by labeling Gladiator 2 as “woke” without further elaboration. Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated sequel opened last week to a mixed reception from audiences and critics.
Despite the divided opinions, the film, which stars Irish leading man Paul Mescal, is set to make a decent box office profit and has received relatively positive reviews from many.
Musk tweeted: “Woke lies 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 art,” in response to another tweet that praised the film’s visuals but criticized its acting and script.
He did not expand on his critique or confirm if he had seen the movie. Speculation about Musk’s comment includes Denzel Washington’s past revelation of a deleted “gay kiss” scene, or perhaps a jab at historically inaccurate CGI sharks and baboons.
Regardless of the reviews, Gladiator 2 has performed well financially, grossing $55.5 million domestically and $50.5 million internationally, recouping nearly half its production costs. Underneath Musk’s post, comments expressed puzzlement, with one user arguing that the film’s plot – about a warrior who learns to love and protect the empire he once despised from a queer African freed slave using public riots to cause destruction – is hard to describe as woke.
“Is this because Denzel was in it? There were a few Africans in Ancient Rome, until the 8th century when there was a lot, get over it,” one observer remarked. “It wasn’t woke, though,” chimed in another, adding that “The sharks in the coliseum were silly (but very entertaining), and if they’d used crocodiles it would have been closer to historically accurate and still awesome.”
One viewer praised the attention to detail, stating, “The plants in the courtyard were even correct, it was quite impressive. The story was good and so was the acting, especially that of the emperors.”
The storyline also captured fans’ attention: “A good 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 prince is hidden away at the end of the first film, kept away from treacherous capital assassins. He survives on the edge of the vast harsh empire, only to return, as a Man, to his origin and destiny in Rome.”
And enthralled by the protagonist’s journey, another added, “He vows to avenge his wife and he also avenges his true father and mother and he restores freedom for the people through his own strength, leadership and principles.”
