Entertainment · Film · 1 hr ago
Andrew Garfield Recalls Once Admiring Sam Altman Before Playing Him
Andrew Garfield said he once deeply admired Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, before taking on the role of Altman in the film “Artificial.”
Garfield said he first admired Altman after seeing him speak to Congress about transparency and the risks of AI.
He also recalled thinking Altman seemed to have his values in the right place, but said he would not comment directly on Altman now.
“Artificial” follows OpenAI’s founding and Altman’s firing and quick return to the company.
The film is due in theaters on Christmas Day, with a wider release planned for January 2027.
Garfield warned that people could lose control over their future if AI is not regulated and said artists and others with influence should join the discussion.
He said he remained hopeful that people could help protect their autonomy.
Andrew Garfield said he once deeply admired Sam Altman before portraying the OpenAI CEO in the film “Artificial.”
Garfield said Altman’s testimony about transparency and AI risks led him to believe Altman was altruistic and had his values in the right place.
He said he no longer wanted to comment directly on Altman, adding that people could form their own opinions about what was happening.
Garfield warned that people risk giving away their future and autonomy, and said artists and others with influence could help shape regulation.
He also said he had never met Altman, despite the two filming near Altman’s San Francisco home.
- Who
- Actor Andrew Garfield and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
- What
- Garfield recalled admiring Altman before playing him in “Artificial.
- When
- Garfield spoke during a Monday night screening Q&A; the articles were published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The Q&A followed a screening at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, according to Variety.
- Why
- Garfield said Altman’s comments about transparency, risks and caring about people initially impressed him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Garfield spoke about his earlier admiration for Altman during a Q&A after a screening of Artificial.
A teaser for Artificial was released, according to TheWrap.
Artificial is set to hit theaters, according to TheWrap.
Neon plans a wider rollout of the film, according to TheWrap.
- Film
- Artificial
- Director
- Luca Guadagnino
- Garfield’s role
- Sam Altman
- Screening venue
- Academy Museum, Los Angeles
- Planned theatrical release
- Christmas Day
- Wider rollout
- January 2027
2 sources
What people are saying
The first time I saw Sam, he was testifying in front of Congress and he was saying incredibly righteous stuff
You know, he convinced me that that he was nothing but purely altruistic
I never had any interaction with him
I feel like if enough artists and if enough people who have power can regulate, can be a part of a conversation of making sure that we aren’t just giving our future away [or] lose all of our autonomy, I think we’ll be maybe okay
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"Artificial" star Andrew Garfield admits he once believed OpenAI’s Sam Altman was "genuinely great" and that he could be "my future best friend." https://t.co/izCsfrgrXQ via @variety #justforvariety