Amazon Studios and MGM Turn OpenAI Turmoil into Film “Artificial”

Amazon Studios and MGM Turn OpenAI Turmoil into Film “Artificial”

Key Points

  • Amazon Studios and MGM are producing a film titled “Artificial” about OpenAI’s recent leadership crisis.
  • Andrew Garfield is cast as Sam Altman; Monica Barbaro portrays former interim CEO Mira Murati.
  • Supporting cast includes Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Billie Lourd, and Chris O’Dowd.
  • The storyline incorporates the public feud between Altman and Elon Musk over Apple’s App Store policies.
  • Musk alleges antitrust violations by Apple; Altman questions Musk’s influence over X.
  • Speculation surrounds the casting of Elon Musk, with Ike Barinholtz mentioned as a possible choice.
  • The film aims to capture the high‑drama and personal rivalries shaping the AI industry.

Yes, Sam Altman will be played by Andrew Garfield in 'Artificial', but all we want to know is who’s playing Elon Musk

Casting the Drama

Amazon Studios and MGM are developing a feature film called “Artificial” that chronicles the tumultuous weeks of 2023 when OpenAI co‑founder and CEO Sam Altman was abruptly dismissed and subsequently reinstated. The production has locked in Andrew Garfield, known for his role in “The Social Network,” to portray Altman, while Monica Barbaro will play former interim CEO Mira Murati. Additional talent attached to the project includes Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, and Billie Lourd, though their specific characters remain unannounced. Chris O’Dowd, noted for his work on “Black Mirror” and “The IT Crowd,” has also joined the cast, adding further intrigue to the ensemble.

Legal Tensions Over the App Store

The film also weaves in the public dispute between Altman and Elon Musk, who co‑founded OpenAI in 2015 before departing in 2018. The two have recently sparred over the placement of ChatGPT in Apple’s App Store. Musk posted a claim that reads, “Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action.” Altman responded with a pointed remark questioning Musk’s alleged manipulation of X to benefit his own ventures.

Potential Portrayal of Elon Musk

While the movie’s casting for the Elon Musk role remains unconfirmed, speculation has focused on Ike Barinholtz, known for his kinetic energy in “The Studio,” as a possible candidate. Barinholtz’s blend of unpredictability and odd pathos seems to match the public perception of Musk’s idiosyncratic persona. Rumors have also floated the name of Chris O’Dowd, though no definitive confirmation exists. The producers appear intent on capturing the “toxic relationship” between Altman and Musk, a dynamic that could provide cinematic gold.

Beyond the central characters, the film aims to reflect broader industry tensions involving major platforms and AI innovators. By dramatizing the clash over app store rankings, antitrust concerns, and the personal rivalries of tech titans, “Artificial” seeks to offer viewers a window into the high‑stakes world of artificial intelligence development.

Source: techradar.com