Andrew Garfield discusses playing Sam Altman in ‘Artificial’

Actor Andrew Garfield has discussed his experience portraying OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film, ‘Artificial’. The movie focuses on the five-day period in November 2023 when Altman was abruptly fired and subsequently reinstated as CEO.

Garfield clarified that his portrayal was not based on personal interaction with Altman, as he has never met the executive. Instead, he prepared for the role using the script, court transcripts, interviews, and public research. The actor noted that playing such a character required a level of dissociation, reflecting on the potential for high-level technology leadership to ‘do a hell of a lot of damage to the soul of humanity.’

In discussing his acting process, Garfield mentioned exploring the ‘shadow self’—integrating aspects of a character that one might otherwise reject. He expressed relief upon finishing the project, describing himself as a ‘cosy guy’ at heart who prefers community-minded roles over intense, challenging characters.