Studios back away from Sam Altman film Artificial

Amazon MGM has abandoned plans to distribute Artificial, Luca Guadagnino’s biographical drama about OpenAI cofounder and CEO Sam Altman, even though postproduction was nearly finished. Netflix, A24, Focus Features, and Warner Bros.’ Clockwork have reportedly passed on distribution, while Neon and Mubi are still said to be interested.

The film, written by Simon Rich, follows the upheaval in 2023 when OpenAI’s board fired Altman, saying he was not “consistently candid in his communications,” before he was reinstated days later after employee pressure and a potential move to Microsoft. Amazon had reportedly planned a short Oscar-qualifying theatrical run later this year, a wider release in early 2027, and a SXSW Film & TV Festival showing.

Amazon said the project would be “better served if it were released by a different studio,” but its decision comes after a $50 billion investment into OpenAI. The broader concern is that studios pursuing AI partnerships may avoid critical portrayals of the technology and its executives.

A24’s new $75 million, multiyear research partnership with Google DeepMind has already drawn criticism, amid similar moves by Disney, Netflix, and Paramount Skydance toward gen AI tools. The pattern points to growing unease over whether Hollywood can scrutinize Silicon Valley while relying on its technology and money.