Amazon Cancels Nearly Finished Sam Altman Film Following $50 Billion OpenAI Agreement

No one’s even trying to hide it anymore. Up until today, Amazon’s MGM Studios was set to distribute Luca Guadagnino’s film about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, titled *Artificial*. However, the corporation announced, “We believe that *Artificial* would be better served if it were released by a different studio.” In a related development, back in February, Amazon formed a massive $50 billion “strategic partnership” with Altman’s OpenAI.

Director Luca Guadagnino, who recently gained attention for 2024’s *Queer* starring Daniel Craig and *Challengers* featuring Zendaya, is currently in post-production on the biopic about Sam Altman, with Andrew Garfield portraying the billionaire AI leader. The screenplay, penned by former SNL writer Simon Rich—also known for the brilliant *Man Seeking Woman*—centers on the bizarre events of 2023 when OpenAI fired and then quickly rehired Altman.

It would have been intriguing to see Amazon MGM back a project like this, but that’s no longer the case. In a statement, Amazon expressed, “We have the utmost respect and admiration for Luca Guadagnino as an award-winning filmmaker—not to mention a longstanding relationship that we hope to continue. 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.”

It’s a classic case of having immense respect for someone, which somehow translates to letting someone else take the reins. Notably absent from the statement is any mention of Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos investing a staggering $50 billion into Altman’s struggling AI venture, which might explain the reluctance to host a film that could potentially critique the company.

On the bright side, the fact that Amazon is distancing itself from *Artificial* could indicate that the film has some serious substance, especially if they’re treating it like a hot potato. Bezos, being heavily invested in AI, could spell even more trouble for Amazon’s already mistreated workforce. The $50 billion investment into OpenAI, which continues to burn through cash on its path to potential financial disaster, is likely to exacerbate issues for everyone involved.

Alongside Garfield, *Artificial* features Mark Rylance, Yura Borisov, Jason Schwartzman, and Ike Barinholtz. The film is now reportedly being pitched to other studios.