The nearly finished project starring Andrew Garfield will be shopped to other studios after Amazon's $50 billion partnership with OpenAI
Category: Arts & Culture
Luca Guadagnino's nearly finished film, "Artificial," which stars Andrew Garfield as controversial OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has been dropped by Amazon MGM Studios, as confirmed by Variety. The film, which focuses on Altman's tumultuous tenure at OpenAI in 2023, will now be shopped to other studios.
This decision comes on the heels of Amazon's $50 billion partnership with OpenAI, announced in February 2026, aimed at enhancing OpenAI's use of Amazon Web Services and developing custom AI models. A spokesperson for Amazon expressed respect for Guadagnino, stating, "We believe that 'Artificial' will be better served if it were released by a different studio and are working closely with the filmmaking team to find the film a new home." Guadagnino's representative did not respond immediately to Variety's request for comment.
In addition to Garfield, the film features a star-studded cast, including Monica Barbaro as former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, Yura Borisov as former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, and Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk. Other notable actors include Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Billie Lourd, Zosia Mamet, Angus Imrie, Chris O’Dowd, and Mark Rylance. The screenplay, penned by Simon Rich, explores the brief period in 2023 when Altman was fired from OpenAI and then rehired shortly thereafter.
The decision to drop "Artificial" has raised eyebrows in an industry already rife with speculation about the film's content. Sources suggest that the portrayal of Altman and Musk is less than flattering, potentially influencing Amazon's choice to distance itself from the project. According to insiders who have seen the film, the characters of Altman and Musk are depicted as the least sympathetic, leading audiences to "like them the least." This aligns with a broader narrative surrounding Altman, who has faced scrutiny for his leadership at OpenAI.
Amazon's decision is particularly notable considering the company's substantial investment in OpenAI, which includes a strategic partnership involving a $50 billion commitment. The relationship between Altman and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has also been highlighted, as Altman attended Bezos' wedding in Italy last year. This complex web of relationships raises questions about the motivations behind Amazon's choice to drop a film that could have generated considerable attention in the current climate of discourse surrounding artificial intelligence.
Interestingly, the film had already undergone several test screenings before being dropped, and reports indicated that they were well-received. This adds another layer of intrigue to the decision, as it suggests that the film's quality may not have been the primary concern for Amazon. Instead, the content's implications, particularly in light of Amazon's financial ties to OpenAI, seem to have played a more decisive role.
With Amazon's announcement, the fate of "Artificial" now rests in the hands of other studios. Industry insiders indicate that the film is expected to attract interest, particularly due to its high-profile cast and the current fascination with AI technologies. As the film is shopped around, it is uncertain how potential buyers will respond to the content and its portrayal of influential tech figures.
As for Guadagnino, this project marks another collaboration with Amazon MGM, following previous works that have showcased his distinctive directorial style. The film was produced with a budget of approximately $40 million, and the decision to seek a new distributor may provide Guadagnino with the opportunity to find a studio that aligns more closely with the film's vision.
In the meantime, Amazon is reportedly looking to finalize the film's new release date, with some sources speculating that it could be positioned for an early 2027 launch. This timing could strategically avoid competition with other tech-themed films, such as the anticipated sequel to "The Social Network," which is set to explore similar themes of tech billionaires and their impact on society.
As the film navigates its transition to a new studio, the industry will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how "Artificial" is received when it finally hits theaters. The film's exploration of Altman's controversial tenure at OpenAI, coupled with its star-studded cast and the current zeitgeist surrounding AI, positions it as a potentially provocative piece of cinema.
In a media environment where the narratives surrounding tech leaders are increasingly examined, the release of "Artificial" may prompt discussions about the film itself and about the broader implications of AI in society today. As the film seeks a new home, audiences and industry watchers alike are left to ponder how this story will evolve in the coming months.