Neon is in talks to acquire Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial, a drama focusing on the 2023 Sam Altman leadership crisis at OpenAI. Following Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to pass on the project, the film—starring Andrew Garfield—is seeking a new distributor after reportedly testing well with audiences.
Why did Amazon MGM exit the project?
Amazon MGM Studios recently announced it would not release Artificial, despite a long-standing relationship with director Luca Guadagnino. In an official statement, the studio said, “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.”
While the studio did not provide specific reasons for the move, industry context suggests a complicated relationship between the film’s subject and Amazon’s business interests. Earlier this year, Amazon announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI. Artificial explores the turbulent period in 2023 when Altman was fired and subsequently rehired within a matter of days.
One source told us that the movie’s subject matter acted as a “hot potato,” leading some studios to pass on even screening the film. However, the studio noted that the film was tested by Amazon MGM Studios and received a good audience reaction.
Amazon’s recent $50 billion investment in OpenAI, creating a potential conflict of interest for a studio distributing a film about OpenAI’s internal volatility.
What is the plot and cast of Artificial?
Directed by Guadagnino from a script by Simon Rich, Artificial dramatizes the internal power struggle at OpenAI. Andrew Garfield stars as Altman, navigating the chaos of his brief removal from the company.
The film features an expansive ensemble cast, including:
- Mark Rylance
- Yura Borisov
- Monica Barbaro
- Billie Lourd
- Jason Schwartzman
- Cooper Koch
- Cooper Hoffman
- Ike Barinholtz
Despite dropping Artificial, Amazon MGM Studios maintains its professional ties with Guadagnino. The filmmaker has had four projects there including Suspiria, Bones and All, Challengers, and After the Hunt.
Will Neon acquire the film?
Following the news of Amazon MGM’s exit, reports surfaced that Neon is in talks to pick up the project. Puck’s Matt Belloni was the first to report on these acquisition talks. Before the Amazon MGM announcement, the film appeared to be heading toward a deal with Mubi.
Representatives for Neon have declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. A final deal figure for the acquisition has not been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of Artificial?
The film is directed by Luca Guadagnino.
What is the movie Artificial about?
The film explores the 2023 period when Altman was fired and rehired.
Who stars in the film?
Andrew Garfield plays the lead role of Altman, alongside Mark Rylance and Jason Schwartzman.
Why did Amazon MGM Studios pass on the film?
The studio stated the film would be “better served” by a different distributor, though industry observers point to the film’s subject matter and Amazon’s investment in OpenAI.
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