Amazon Drops Altman Film After $50B OpenAI Pact

Amazon’s MGM Studios has officially withdrawn its distribution plans for Luca Guadagnino’s forthcoming biopic, Artificial, which chronicles the tumultuous 2023 saga of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In a candid statement to Deadline, the studio explained that the film would be better served under a different distributor, citing a desire to preserve the creative vision and maintain a respectful partnership with the director.

Guadagnino, who recently earned acclaim for Queer and Challengers, is shepherding the project into post‑production. Andrew Garfield headlines the cast as Altman, while the screenplay—crafted by former SNL writer Simon Rich, known for Man Seeking Woman—delves into the bizarre episode when OpenAI dismissed and rehired Altman within a single week.

Amazon’s decision comes amid a backdrop of corporate intrigue, as the company had earlier announced a monumental $50 billion “strategic partnership” with Altman’s OpenAI in February. The move to pull back from the film has sparked speculation that the studio’s investment in the AI venture may have influenced its stance on a movie that could cast the company in a critical light.

Despite the setback, Guadagnino expressed unwavering respect for Amazon MGM, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative relationship that could be nurtured with a new distribution partner. The studio remains committed to finding a suitable home for Artificial, ensuring the film’s release aligns with its artistic integrity.

The latest developments suggest that the game Artificial might finally gain traction, especially if Amazon decides to abandon the project and walk away with the weight of its explosive potential. While Jeff Bezos himself is reportedly immersed in AI, this could spell further hardship for Amazon’s already overworked staff. The hefty $50 billion investment in OpenAI, which continues to burn through capital on a path toward possible financial collapse, only amplifies the stakes for all parties involved.

In addition to Garfield, Artificial boasts a star‑studded lineup featuring Mark Rylance, Yura Borisov, Jason Schwartzman, and Ike Barinholtz. According to Deadline, the project is now being shopped around to other studios in hopes of finding a new home.