Netflix and Focus Features pass on Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial, now up for grabs

Right then, here’s a bit of a bizarre one from the world of prestige film: Luca Guadagnino’s new drama, 'Artificial', has found itself in limbo after Amazon MGM decided to quietly walk away just as the finish line was in sight. If you’ve not been keeping tabs, this one stars Andrew Garfield playing Sam Altman—yes, the OpenAI bloke. Think 'The Social Network', but with AI, tech moguls, and reportedly, a not-so-flattering portrayal of Altman himself.

Amazon Steps Back, Politely

Amazon MGM were set to distribute, but abruptly pulled out, leaving 'Artificial' out in the cold. There’s no shortage of raised eyebrows over this move, especially since Amazon (helmed by Jeff Bezos, man of multiple hats and high-level White House pals) had announced a colossal $50 billion plan to invest in OpenAI just this February. To muddy the waters further, Altman himself apparently has his own lines into the current US administration.

As for Amazon’s official line, their spokesperson is putting the best possible spin on things:

'We have the utmost respect and admiration for Luca Guadagnino as an award-winning filmmaker — not to mention a longstanding relationship that we hope to continue. We believe that Artificial will be better served if it were released by a different studio and are working closely with the filmmaking team to find the film a new home.'

Translation: 'Bit awkward, this. Wish you all the best though.'

Who’s Not Interested (So Far)

With the film basically finished—a near-final cut went out for internal viewing—producers are knocking on doors for a new backer. Unfortunately, the response has been a steady stream of polite declines.

• Netflix: Passed.
• Focus Features: Also a no.
• A24: Did watch it, but, as of now, hasn’t said yes or no. Known for taking odd punts, so never rule them out.
• Mubi: Was having a sniff, especially as they’ve gone for more eclectic stuff like 'The Substance' and 'Die My Love'. No comment yet after being nudged by journalists.
• Neon: The indie group behind Oscar-winner 'Anora'—no movement and no response so far.

Cast, Crew, and Delayed Drama

The cast is a bit of a headline in itself: Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman and Ike Barinholtz taking up the mantle of Elon Musk, so the tech billionaire crowd is well represented. The script comes from Simon Rich, who earned his stripes at SNL.

Oddly, despite being nearly complete, Amazon had already booted its release all the way back to 2027—which would obviously rule it out for any awards this year. A lot of suspicion around that move, with suggestions it was less about finishing touches and more about avoiding competition with Sony’s upcoming 'The Social Reckoning'.

On top of all that, rumours are that an early look at the finished version left executives rattled. Apparently, the finished film was much darker than what the studio expected when they first signed up, leading to the whole shelving drama.