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Amazon MGM Drops Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Film 'Artificial'

The studio has put the near‑finished movie up for sale, a move that highlights how Amazon’s reported $50 billion OpenAI deal complicates distribution for a controversial tech drama.

Overview

  • Amazon MGM confirmed it has removed Artificial from its slate and is seeking a new distributor for the near‑finished film.
  • The movie, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman, dramatizes OpenAI’s November 2023 leadership crisis and has reportedly drawn positive reactions at test screenings.
  • Multiple major companies including Netflix, Focus Features, A24 and Warner/Clockwork have passed after private viewings, while independent distributors MUBI and Neon are reported to be considering offers.
  • Industry reporting ties Amazon’s decision to its expanded business ties with OpenAI, a reported $50 billion investment that sources say has raised questions about a conflict between corporate relationships and editorial choices.
  • The film was developed with roughly $40 million spent and had been discussed for an awards‑qualifying run and a possible Venice premiere, but its release timing and awards strategy are now uncertain.