Amazon Walks Away from Nearly Complete Sam Altman Movie Just Months After OpenAI Deal
Amazon has abandoned “Artificial,” a nearly complete biographical film about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, just months after announcing a partnership deal with the AI company. The cancellation followed multiple private test screenings, according to a statement Amazon provided to industry publication Puck. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (“Challengers,” “Call Me by Your Name”), the biopic starred Andrew Garfield as Altman, Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk, and Monica Barbaro as OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati.
Amazon has not publicly disclosed specific reasons for dropping the project despite its advanced production stage. The decision raises questions about test screening reception and potential conflicts arising from Amazon’s commercial relationship with OpenAI. The timing is particularly notable—occurring shortly after Amazon’s partnership announcement—suggesting possible tension between the studio’s business interests and producing content about one of technology’s most polarizing figures. The sudden pullback represents a significant loss given the film’s completion stage and involvement of a celebrated director and major Hollywood talent.