Filmmaker Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film Artificial, based on the life of OpenAI founder Sam Altman, has been dropped by Amazon MGM Studios. The film, starring Andrew Garfield as the controversial OpenAI CEO, is reportedly 'almost finished' but its post-production and release may be delayed due to the search for new backers.
According to Variety, Amazon announced on Friday that they were backing out from producing the film, stating that they were 'closely working' with the film's team to find it 'a new home'. A spokesperson for Amazon expressed their 'utmost respect and admiration' for Guadagnino and their hope to continue their relationship.
The move has raised eyebrows in the industry, particularly given Amazon's recent $50 billion investment in OpenAI. The film, Artificial, chronicles Altman's journey as a tech entrepreneur and focuses on his brief period as the CEO of OpenAI in 2023. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, and Ike Barinholtz.
