Luca Guadagnino is wasting no time lining up his next project. Following delays to his DC feature Sgt. Rock, the Challengers and Call Me By Your Name director, is now in talks to helm Artificial, an Amazon MGM Studios drama inspired by the headline-grabbing 2023 shakeup at OpenAI, including the abrupt firing and rehiring of CEO Sam Altman. Though still in early development, Artificial is already generating buzz with a star-powered cast reportedly circling. Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro, and Yura Borisov — the breakout star of Anora, which just won Cannes’ top prize — are all in early talks to join the ensemble.
The script is by Simon Rich, known for his sharp, satirical writing in projects such as An American Pickle and Man Seeking Woman. Rich is also on board as a producer, alongside Harry Potter franchise veteran David Heyman (via Heyday Films) and Jeffrey Clifford. Jennifer Fox is in discussions to join the producing team as well.
While plot details are under wraps, industry insiders indicate Luca Guadagnino’s OpenAI movie will dramatize the high-stakes boardroom conflict that rocked OpenAI, one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful — and controversial — companies. The real-life saga unfolded in late 2023 when the company’s board unexpectedly removed Altman, prompting widespread outrage among employees, a backlash in the tech world, and his eventual reinstatement within days. The situation raised pressing questions about AI governance, corporate transparency, and the future of artificial intelligence — themes that Artificial is expected to explore.
Guadagnino, Amazon, and a Timely Story
OpenAI movie Artificial marks a continuing collaboration between Luca Guadagnino and Amazon MGM Studios, which is also distributing After the Hunt, the filmmaker’s upcoming psychological thriller starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri. The studio previously released Guadagnino’s Challengers, featuring Zendaya, to substantial critical acclaim.
With Sgt. Rock on hold until 2026, the director reportedly reviewed several potential scripts before landing on Artificial, a project he could fast-track into production this year. It’s an ambitious pivot — from DC action to a cerebral tech-world drama — but one that fits Guadagnino’s growing reputation for tackling bold, character-driven material.
Amazon MGM, for its part, is doubling down on prestige projects and timely narratives, and Artificial positions the studio at the intersection of Hollywood storytelling and Silicon Valley’s ethical battlegrounds.
A Cast Ready to Crack the Algorithm
Should the cast deals finalize, Artificial could boast one of the year’s most buzzworthy ensembles. Andrew Garfield brings gravitas and emotional depth; Barbaro, fresh off Top Gun: Maverick and At Midnight, offers rising-star appeal; and Borisov adds an international edge with critical momentum from Cannes.
With the cultural relevance of AI at an all-time high — from Sam Altman’s ChatGPT’s dominance to growing regulatory scrutiny — Artificial could become Hollywood’s definitive AI drama, blending real-world tech intrigue with high-stakes human drama.
