Actor Andrew Garfield voiced concerns over potential public backlash regarding his upcoming role as OpenAI founder Sam Altman in the biographical drama film Artificial, according to a recent interview on the SmartLess podcast. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the movie centers on Altman’s brief 2023 firing and rehiring from OpenAI, placing Garfield at the center of a high-profile project exploring the upper echelons of the tech industry.
Andrew Garfield on Playing Sam Altman and Anticipating Backlash
Discussing the project with podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Garfield admitted he feels trepidation about stepping into the shoes of one of the world’s most prominent technology leaders. According to the interview, Garfield stated, “I’m nervous about that one. I’m really scared about that one.” When pressed about whether he feared a negative public reaction, the actor confirmed that playing someone of Altman’s stature carries inherent scrutiny.
“I’ve never met Sam Altman, I don’t know anything about the interior of his soul,” Garfield said on the podcast, explaining his preparation process relied entirely on scripts, available reading material, and his own imagination. Garfield added a lighthearted observation that Altman has “probably hacked my phone” and is “probably observing every move I make,” though The Independent has contacted OpenAI for comment.
Did you know?
Andrew Garfield previously portrayed Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin in the 2010 critically acclaimed drama The Social Network, marking his return to cinematic depictions of Silicon Valley figures.
Studio Shifts and Production History of Artificial
The biographical feature has already navigated a turbulent development cycle. Earlier this year, Jeff Bezos’s Amazon MGM Studios pulled out as the film’s distributor, handing off the nearly-finished $40 million project. Amazon stated at the time that the film would “be better served if it were released by a different studio.” Following a competitive bidding war, indie distributor Neon acquired the rights to release the film.
The studio change followed months after Amazon announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI and approximately a year after Altman attended the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. Addressing the studio transition in a July interview with Variety, Garfield noted he “was and wasn’t” surprised by the move, praising both Amazon and director Luca Guadagnino for their support.
Co-star Cooper Hoffman, who plays OpenAI chairman Greg Brockman in the biographical drama, expressed a different reaction to Amazon’s exit. According to Hoffman, he was “shocked they picked it up in the first place,” adding that the eventual drop made sense before indie distributor Neon stepped in to handle the release.
Cast, Crew, and Release Details
Written by former Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich, Artificial dives into the grey areas of human ambition rather than leaning into heroes or villains, according to Garfield. The ensemble cast features Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, Mark Rylance, Jason Schwartzman, and Zosia Mamet. Notably, OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk is portrayed by Ike Barinholtz. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Sam Altman in the movie Artificial?
Andrew Garfield stars as OpenAI founder Sam Altman in the biographical drama directed by Luca Guadagnino.
Which studio is distributing Artificial?
Neon holds the distribution rights for the film following a bidding war after Amazon MGM Studios dropped out of distributing the project earlier in the year.
Who else stars in the film alongside Andrew Garfield?
The cast includes Cooper Hoffman as OpenAI chairman Greg Brockman, Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk, alongside Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, Mark Rylance, Jason Schwartzman, and Zosia Mamet.
Stay Updated on Entertainment and Tech News
Explore more industry coverage, exclusive interviews, and in-depth reporting across our platform. Join our community to get the latest stories delivered directly to you.