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Amazon Shelves Sam Altman Biopic After OpenAI Deal

6/23/2026

Summary

Amazon Drops Film

Amazon MGM Studios dropped the Luca Guadagnino-directed Sam Altman biopic “Artificial.”
Andrew Garfield was cast as Sam Altman, with Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov and Ike Barinholtz supporting.
The decision followed Amazon’s $50 billion OpenAI partnership and a $50 million investment announced earlier this year.
Amazon is seeking a new distributor after Netflix, Focus Features and A24 passed, with Mubi and Neon showing interest.

Summary

Musk Loses

A May jury ruled against Elon Musk in his $134 billion lawsuit against Sam Altman, prompting his lawyer to file an appeal.
Simon Rich, a former *Saturday Night Live* and *The Simpsons* writer, penned *Artificial*’s screenplay, which received positive reactions in private industry screenings.
Critics compare *Artificial*’s tone to David Fincher’s *The Social Network* and anticipate awards-season buzz, as the film centers on the November 2023 board crisis that forced Altman’s reinstatement.

Summary

Guadagnino Reunites

Artificial entered post-production in June 2026 after filming July-October 2025.
Director Luca Guadagnino reunites with actor Andrew Garfield after previously working together on After the Hunt.
Screenwriter Simon Rich wrote a screenplay about the 2023 OpenAI leadership crisis.
Monica Barbaro portrays former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati and Yura Borisov portrays former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever.
With Amazon MGM Studios withdrawn, the film is being shopped to distributors Mubi and Neon.

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Amazon Drops Film

Amazon MGM Studios dropped the Luca Guadagnino-directed Sam Altman biopic “Artificial.”
Andrew Garfield was cast as Sam Altman, with Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov and Ike Barinholtz supporting.
The decision followed Amazon’s $50 billion OpenAI partnership and a $50 million investment announced earlier this year.
Amazon is seeking a new distributor after Netflix, Focus Features and A24 passed, with Mubi and Neon showing interest.

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