Christopher Nolan reflects on AI risks using Trojan horse analogy

Christopher Nolan compared artificial intelligence to a "glass Trojan horse," arguing that people understand the technology's potential risks even as it continues to spread across industries.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker made the remarks during a recent interview, where he used the famous Greek myth to explain why public scepticism towards AI remains strong.

'Everybody knows the Greeks are inside'

Nolan said AI resembles a Trojan horse that is completely transparent.

"I think AI is a Trojan horse that everybody knows the Greeks are inside," he said. "It's a transparent horse, it's made of glass. Everybody can see what's going on inside of there."

The director added that AI has rapidly expanded into sectors including finance, but believes many people—particularly younger generations—remain cautious about embracing it without question.

Praises Gen Z's scepticism

Nolan praised Gen Z for approaching AI with what he described as "very healthy skepticism."

He pointed to the popularity of the phrase "AI slop," often used online to criticise low-quality AI-generated content, as evidence that younger audiences are carefully questioning the technology rather than accepting it at face value.

The filmmaker argued that technological advances can offer major benefits, but warned they should always be viewed alongside the motives of the people developing and promoting them.

"Technology is always going to give us great gifts," Nolan said, adding that healthy scepticism is the best way to ensure those tools are used responsibly.

Comments come amid AI debate

Nolan's remarks arrive as artificial intelligence continues to divide Hollywood over issues including copyright, creative ownership and the future of filmmaking.

His comments follow Elon Musk's recent pledge that Grok Imagine would create a feature-length AI adaptation of The Odyssey, which Musk described as historically accurate and faithful to Homer's work.

The director has previously dismissed criticism surrounding the casting of his own adaptation of The Odyssey, calling the backlash "irrelevant."

The wider AI debate has continued across the entertainment industry, with studios, unions and technology companies weighing the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing generative AI.