Blade Runner 2049 maker Alcon Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, its CEO Elon Musk, and Warner Bros Discovery.
It alleges Tesla used imagery from the movie without permission during the launch of its robotaxi on October 10, 2024.
According to Alcon, Warner Bros had asked for permission to use scenes from the film at the event. However, the request was turned down.
Despite the refusal, Alcon claims the event organizer used artificial intelligence to create visuals based on the iconic cyberpunk film.
The lawsuit says:
“Any prudent brand considering any Tesla partnership has to take Musk’s massively amplified, highly politicised, capricious and arbitrary behaviour, which sometimes veers into hate speech, into account.”
Alcon’s lawsuit accuses Tesla and Warner Bros of misappropriating the film’s imagery. The company claims the company claiming the “financial magnitude of the misappropriation” is significant.
The lawsuit also includes accusations of “false endorsement.”
It says the use of the imagery suggests the robotaxi event gave the impression of a partnership between Alcon and Tesla, which the production firm vehemently denies.
Warner Bros has a double role in this legal action, as it not only hosted the Tesla event at one of its movie studios but also distributed Blade Runner 2049 when it was released in 2017.
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A Nod to Blade Runner and Musk’s Inspiration
Blade Runner 2049, was a sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner. It featured a stellar cast including Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and Ana de Armas.
The movie garnered critical acclaim and won two Academy Awards. Its dystopian aesthetic has left a lasting impression, with Musk reportedly drawing inspiration from the original Blade Runner for Tesla’s Cybertruck design.
Alcon, meanwhile, is working on a spinoff television series titled Blade Runner 2099, further expanding the legacy of the original franchise.
I, Robot Director Weighs In
The suit is not the first time Musk has been accused of copying ideas.
In a separate controversy, Alex Proyas, director of the 2004 film I, Robot, accused Musk of copying his designs for humanoid machines and self-driving cars.
The title of Tesla’s robotaxi event, We, Robot, appeared to be a play on Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot short story collection, which also caught Proyas’ attention.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) – also owned by Musk – Proyas humorously requested the return of his designs, a post that garnered over eight million views.
He said:
“Hey Elon, can I have my designs back please,”
Looking Forward
With Alcon’s lawsuit now in play, the legal battle could have lasting repercussions for Tesla and its use of AI-driven promotional materials. This case raises questions about intellectual property rights and the line between inspiration and imitation in tech-driven industries. The outcome could influence how companies use AI and entertainment references in future promotional events.
Warner Bros and Tesla Remain Silent
Both Tesla and Warner Bros have yet to respond to requests for comment.
