Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Artificial Brings Sam Altman’s OpenAI Story to Screen
Artificial is a movie about Sam Altman and a real conflict at the company OpenAI.
Andrew Garfield plays Altman, and Luca Guadagnino directed the film.
In 2023, Altman was removed from his job at OpenAI, then returned a few days later.
The film uses that event to explore power and ambition in technology companies.
It also asks how much power people should give to technology leaders.
Some critics called the movie frightening and especially relevant to current AI debates.
Amazon had been financing it but later stepped away, without giving a specific reason.
Neon acquired the film afterward.
It is set to reach cinemas on January 22, 2027.
Andrew Garfield portrays OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Luca Guadagnino’s drama Artificial.
The film dramatizes Altman’s removal from OpenAI in November 2023 and his return days later.
Critics at the New York Film Festival described the film as “terrifying” and “urgently relevant.”
Artificial examines power, ambition, control and the consequences of influence over artificial intelligence.
Neon acquired the film after Amazon stepped away; it is scheduled for cinemas on January 22, 2027.
- Who
- Andrew Garfield stars as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman; Luca Guadagnino directed Artificial.
- What
- Artificial dramatizes Altman’s removal from OpenAI and his return days later, while examining power and ambition in the AI industry.
- When
- The events depicted occurred in November 2023; the film premiered October 5 and is scheduled for release January 22, 2027.
- Where
- The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and is scheduled for cinemas.
- Why
- The film uses the OpenAI episode to raise questions about power, control, ambition and the autonomy given to technology leaders.
- Film
- Artificial
- Director
- Luca Guadagnino
- Lead actor
- Andrew Garfield, playing Sam Altman
- Subject
- Altman’s 2023 removal from OpenAI and return days later
- Premiere
- New York Film Festival, October 5
- Distributor
- Neon acquired the film after Amazon stepped away
- Cinema release
- January 22, 2027
- Amazon decision
- Amazon gave no specific reason for stepping away and said it believed another studio would better serve the film