Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation.

Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation.

      Amazon MGM Studios has opted not to release "Artificial," a film by Luca Guadagnino centered on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, despite strong test screenings and a nearly completed cut.

      As reported by Deadline, the studio has decided against distributing the film, which had been in development for about a year and had already received positive feedback from early audiences.

      What is "Artificial" about, and why did Amazon decide to drop it?

      "Artificial" is described as a comedic drama that depicts the tumultuous five days in 2023 when Altman was unexpectedly dismissed by OpenAI's board. This situation arose from Altman's attempts to remove board member Helen Toner after she commended the safety protocols of rival company Anthropic over those of OpenAI.

      Microsoft quickly offered Altman a new position, leading many OpenAI employees to threaten resignation. Just four days later, Altman was reinstated as CEO, with a significant portion of the board replaced. The cast includes Andrew Garfield as Altman, Monica Barbaro as former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, Yura Borisov as chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, and Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk.

      Amazon informed Deadline that they hold Guadagnino in high regard—having directed films like "Challengers"—and wish to continue collaborating with him but believe "Artificial" would find a better fit with another studio. Additional reports indicate that the film may have a darker tone than Amazon anticipated, casting Altman and Musk as the least sympathetic characters.

      Why does the timing seem suspicious?

      Amazon and OpenAI have a substantial financial connection, with Amazon announcing a $50 billion investment in OpenAI earlier this year, making AWS OpenAI's exclusive cloud partner.

      Altman and Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos reportedly have a personal friendship, with Altman attending Bezos’s wedding last year. While it remains unproven if these relationships influenced Amazon's decision, the implications are noteworthy.

      Other studios are currently being shown the film as discussions continue about its potential new home. For now, "Artificial" exists without a distributor, entangled in the very technological politics it seeks to portray.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a writer covering technology and entertainment with over nine years of editorial experience.

      In addition, if you're looking to watch "House of the Dragon" season 3, HBO Max is offering a significant discount.

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      In related news, Taika Waititi’s upcoming film "Klara and the Sun" explores a dystopian sci-fi future without the internet, featuring Jenna Ortega as an android.

      This film may be Waititi's most surprising yet, as he adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed 2021 novel, which delves into themes of loneliness, love, and the essence of humanity.

      Additionally, the trailer for "Shrek 5" has been released, showcasing a "caked up" Gingerbread Man as Donkey and the gang find themselves in prison.

      Despite some fans expressing dissatisfaction with the franchise's new animation style, DreamWorks has announced the film’s release after a 17-year hiatus since "Shrek Forever After" in 2010. "Shrek 5" is slated to hit theaters on June 30, 2027.

Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation. Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation.

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Amazon steps back from the Sam Altman film 'Artificial' due to concerns that it might resonate too closely with its own situation.

Amazon's choice to discontinue Artificial comes a few months following its $50 billion investment in OpenAI, with the studio now seeking other possible distributors.