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newsWednesday, July 1, 2026·2 min read

Neon Acquires Luca Guadagnino's Open AI Movie 'Artificial'

Neon acquires 'Artificial' after Amazon drops it

Students in a sunny university classroom in Buenos Aires, deep in thought and study.
Photo: Gera Cejas

Neon has acquired the rights to Luca Guadagnino's film 'Artificial', which tells the story of OpenAI founder Sam Altman's firing and rehiring. The film, written by Simon Rich, stars Andrew Garfield as Altman and explores the tumultuous period at OpenAI in 2023.

## What happened Neon has officially acquired the global rights to 'Artificial' from Amazon MGM Studios. The film was previously set to be released by Amazon, but the studio dropped it after announcing a major partnership with OpenAI. The deal was negotiated by Alison Cohen for Neon, with CAA Media Finance and Amazon MGM Studios. The film's cast includes Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro, and Mark Rylance, and it was shot in San Francisco and Italy. The film's production team includes longtime Guadagnino collaborator Marco Costa as editor, Malik Hassan Sayeed as cinematographer, and Damon Albarn as composer. ## Why it matters The acquisition of 'Artificial' by Neon is significant because it shows the distributor's commitment to partnering with visionary filmmakers and bringing ambitious cinema to audiences. The film's subject matter, which explores the consequences of AI and the tech industry, is also highly relevant and timely. The film's release could spark important conversations about the impact of technology on society.
+ Pros
  • The film features a talented cast, including Andrew Garfield and Mark Rylance
  • The film's subject matter is highly relevant and timely
  • The film's production team includes experienced and acclaimed professionals
Cons
  • The film's tone may be too dark or grim for some audiences
  • The film's portrayal of Sam Altman and Elon Musk may be controversial
  • The film's release may be affected by the complex and rapidly changing tech industry landscape
## How to think about it To think about 'Artificial', it's essential to consider the broader context of the tech industry and the impact of AI on society. The film's portrayal of Sam Altman and Elon Musk, as well as its exploration of the consequences of AI, should be evaluated in light of the current technological landscape. Audiences should approach the film with an open mind and a willingness to engage with complex and thought-provoking ideas. ## FAQ
What is the film 'Artificial' about?+
The film 'Artificial' tells the story of OpenAI founder Sam Altman's firing and rehiring, and explores the tumultuous period at OpenAI in 2023.
Who is in the cast of 'Artificial'?+
The film features a talented cast, including Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro, and Mark Rylance.
What is the significance of Neon's acquisition of 'Artificial'?+
Neon's acquisition of 'Artificial' marks a significant move for the distributor, which has committed to launching an awards campaign for the film.

Sources
  1. 01'Artificial': Neon Acquires Luca Guadagnino's Sam Altman Open AI Movie
  2. 02'Artificial': Neon Acquires Luca Guadagnino's Sam Altman Open AI Movie
  3. 03Neon Closes Deal for Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Open AI Movie ‘Artificial’ After Amazon Drops Controversial Film
  4. 04Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Movie ‘Artificial’ Picked Up by Neon After Being Dropped by Amazon MGM
  5. 05‘Artificial’: Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Film Lands At Neon After Amazon MGM Drop
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