Key Facts
Luca Guadagnino's highly anticipated film 'Artificial' has been dropped by Amazon MGM Studios, and several major distributors have passed on acquiring it. However, Mubi is in active negotiations, with Neon also circling. The film, a reported $40 million production starring Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is nearly complete.
Details of the Acquisition Saga
According to sources, Focus Features, Warner Bros.' Clockwork, A24, and Netflix have all declined to pick up 'Artificial' after Amazon MGM's abrupt exit. CAA Media Finance, representing Guadagnino, has been screening the film for potential buyers. Amazon MGM had developed the project and slated it for an early 2027 release but walked away months after announcing a $50 billion cloud partnership with OpenAI. Amazon stated the film would be 'better served' at another studio, denying that the subject matter influenced the decision.
Why Mubi Is a Strong Contender
Mubi already has a relationship with Guadagnino, having released his film 'Queer' internationally, handled U.K. theatrical for 'Suspiria,' and taken worldwide rights to his short 'The Staggering Girl.' Mubi previously rescued Coralie Fargeat's 'The Substance' after Universal dropped it, which went on to earn five Oscar nominations. However, 'Artificial' is a bigger gamble due to its higher budget and portrayal of real, powerful individuals. Like 'The Apprentice' (starring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump), 'Artificial' could become an Oscar contender despite distribution challenges.
Plot and Cast
Written by Simon Rich, 'Artificial' is described as a 'Social Network' for the AI era. It recounts the 2023 weekend when Altman was fired and rehired by OpenAI's board. The film's first half focuses on co-founder Ilya Sutskever (Yura Borisov), before shifting to the boardroom power struggle. The ensemble cast includes Monica Barbaro as former CTO Mira Murati, Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Cooper Koch, Billie Lourd, Zosia Mamet, Chris O'Dowd, and Mark Rylance. Ike Barinholtz plays Elon Musk, portrayed as highly antipathetic.
Potential Festival Launch
'Artificial' was eyeing a SXSW premiere before Amazon's exit. If Mubi acquires it, a world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on the Lido is expected, where Guadagnino has unveiled many of his films, including his latest 'After the Hunt.'
FAQ
Why did Amazon MGM drop 'Artificial'?
Amazon MGM dropped 'Artificial' after announcing a $50 billion investment in OpenAI, stating the film would be 'better served' at another studio. They deny the subject matter drove the decision.
Which distributors have passed on 'Artificial'?
Focus Features, Warner Bros.' Clockwork, A24, and Netflix have all passed on acquiring the film.
What is 'Artificial' about?
'Artificial' recounts the chaotic 2023 weekend when Sam Altman was fired and rehired by OpenAI's board. It stars Andrew Garfield as Altman and features an ensemble cast including Monica Barbaro, Cooper Hoffman, and Mark Rylance.
Could 'Artificial' premiere at Venice Film Festival?
If Mubi acquires the film, a world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on the Lido is expected, as Guadagnino has premiered many of his films there.
Source: variety.com