Luca Guadagnino Blames Amazon MGM for Dropping AI Film 'Artificial

Director Luca Guadagnino said Amazon MGM Studios has withdrawn its nearly finished, $40 million film "Artificial," which stars Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In interviews he declined to comment on the studio’s decision, describing the situation as ongoing, but expressed criticism of the move.

Guadagnino also used the occasion to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping society and the identity of places like the United States, noting the film’s setting in San Francisco and its depiction of technological contrasts. He hopes the movie will secure a new distributor and reach audiences, likening its fate to past politically pressured cancellations.

The studio’s pull‑back sparked speculation about possible ties to OpenAI, though Amazon has not confirmed any connection. The film, described as a comedic drama about the AI industry, remains largely complete and is seeking a new home.