Sam Altman film seeks new distributor after Amazon exits
Amazon MGM dropped Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial, and several major buyers have reportedly passed on the OpenAI drama.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
Amazon MGM has stepped away from distributing Artificial, Luca Guadagnino’s biographical drama about OpenAI cofounder and CEO Sam Altman, leaving the nearly finished film without its planned release path. The move matters because several other major film companies have also reportedly declined to pick up the project, according to Variety.
Variety reported that Netflix, A24, Focus Features and Warner Bros.’ Clockwork have passed on distribution deals for the movie. Vulture reported that Neon and Mubi remain interested, leaving the film with possible options even after Amazon’s exit.
The Verge reported that postproduction on Artificial was close to completion when Amazon MGM said last week that it would no longer distribute the film. Amazon told Deadline that the movie would be “better served if it were released by a different studio.”
The film had been expected to receive a limited theatrical run aimed at Oscar eligibility later this year, according to Forbes. The Verge reported that wider release plans for early 2027 and a planned SXSW Film & TV Festival appearance are no longer in place after Amazon’s decision.
A film about a powerful AI figure
Artificial centers on Altman, one of the most visible executives in artificial intelligence. The Verge has described the project as a film about Altman’s ouster from OpenAI and his subsequent return to the company.
Amazon has not publicly offered a detailed explanation for dropping the movie beyond its statement to Deadline. The decision comes after The Verge reported earlier this year that Amazon made a $50 billion investment into OpenAI.
The Verge also pointed to Amazon’s broader push into artificial intelligence as part of the context around the decision. Finance Yahoo has reported on Amazon’s large AI spending plans, and The Verge said the company has made clear that AI is a central business priority.
The combination of Amazon’s retreat and reported passes by other distributors has raised questions about whether studios want to handle a critical drama tied to a current technology executive. The Verge framed the situation as a troubling sign for the entertainment industry’s willingness to tell stories about major technology companies.
For now, the film’s next step depends on whether Neon, Mubi or another distributor moves forward. No new release date or distribution agreement has been reported.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.