Neon Nears Deal for Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Film ‘Artificial’

Neon is nearing a deal to acquire the rights to Luca Guadagnino's film "Artificial," which chronicles the events surrounding Sam Altman's temporary ousting and subsequent return to OpenAI. The nearly completed $40 million production was dropped by Amazon MGM Studios, creating an opportunity for Neon to secure distribution.

The film stars Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman and is set during the turbulent period in late 2023 when the OpenAI CEO was briefly removed from his position by the board before being reinstated. The narrative is expected to delve into the internal power struggles and high-stakes environment at the artificial intelligence company during this critical juncture.

"Artificial" was reportedly shopped to various studios, with Amazon MGM Studios initially showing interest before ultimately passing on the project. The film's acquisition by Neon would mark the distributor's entry into high-profile biographical dramas centered on the technology sector. The reported budget of $40 million indicates a significant investment in the production, suggesting a feature-length film with substantial creative and technical resources.

Details regarding the film's release strategy or specific plot points beyond the central conflict of Altman's tenure at OpenAI remain undisclosed. However, the involvement of director Luca Guadagnino, known for films like "Call Me By Your Name" and "Bones and All," suggests a character-driven approach to the subject matter. The potential acquisition by Neon, a company known for distributing critically acclaimed independent films, positions "Artificial" for a targeted release.