Filmmaker Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film Artificial, a biographical drama centred on OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, has reportedly been dropped by Amazon MGM Studios despite being close to completion. The project, which stars Andrew Garfield as Altman, is now expected to be offered to other studios, potentially delaying its post-production schedule and eventual release.

According to reports, Amazon MGM Studios informed the film's producers that it would no longer move forward with the project. The studio said it was working closely with the filmmaking team to secure a new distributor and production partner. The development has surprised industry observers, particularly given reports that the film was already in an advanced stage of production.

In a statement quoted by Variety, an Amazon spokesperson praised Guadagnino's work and expressed confidence in the film's future prospects. The spokesperson said the studio maintained a strong relationship with the acclaimed director and believed Artificial would be better served under a different studio banner. Guadagnino has not publicly commented on the decision.

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The film has attracted significant attention because of its subject matter and cast. Altman, one of the most influential figures in the artificial intelligence industry, has been at the centre of rapid developments in AI technology through his leadership of OpenAI. Andrew Garfield's casting as Altman generated considerable interest among both film audiences and technology observers when the project was announced.

Questions have emerged over the timing of Amazon MGM Studios' withdrawal from the project. The decision comes months after Amazon, the studio's parent company, entered into a major partnership with OpenAI aimed at expanding the AI company's use of Amazon Web Services and collaborating on advanced artificial intelligence initiatives. Reports indicate that the broader agreement involved investments and commitments valued at approximately $50 billion.

While there is no official indication that the business relationship influenced the studio's decision, the timing has fuelled speculation within the entertainment industry. For now, the future of Artificial depends on finding a new studio willing to complete and distribute the film, allowing Guadagnino's portrayal of one of the technology sector's most prominent figures to reach audiences worldwide.

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