Amazon scraps $50b openai film amid critical test reactions
Amazon has abruptly pulled the plug on “Artificial,” a biopic starring Andrew Garfield and directed by Luca Guadagnino (of ‘Challengers’ fame), just weeks after securing a staggering $50 billion investment from OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
A sudden shift: a critical blow to bezos’ ai ambitions
The decision, reportedly driven by lukewarm reception during multiple private test screenings, marks a significant retreat for Prime Video and raises questions about the viability of Amazon’s increasingly aggressive foray into the artificial intelligence space. Guadagnino’s vision, depicting the tumultuous events surrounding Sam Altman’s firing and rehiring at OpenAI in 2023 – with Andrew Garfield portraying the controversial CEO and Michael Cripe capturing Elon Musk – was initially met with considerable buzz.
Early feedback, according to Variety sources, was surprisingly critical. Not just politely reserved, but actively negative. One insider described the film’s portrayal of Altman and Musk as “the characters watchers will like the least,” hinting at a deliberately unflattering and pointed critique of the tech titans.
A darker tone than scripted
What’s particularly noteworthy is that the initial versions of “Artificial” reportedly carried a notably darker tone than the script penned by Simon Rich, an SNL alum. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video, apparently requested revisions after observing an early cut, ultimately deciding the film needed to find a different home. This suggests a serious miscalculation on Amazon’s part, potentially overlooking a crucial element of audience engagement.
A new distributor sought
Despite the setback, Amazon spokesperson confirmed they are working with the filmmaking team to identify a new distributor. “We have the utmost respect and admiration for Luca Guadagnino as an award-winning filmmaker – not to mention a longstanding relationship that we hope to continue,” the statement read. “We believe that Artificial will be better served if it were released by a different studio and are working closely with the filmmaking team to find the film a new home.” The film, with a cast including Jason Schwartzman and Billie Lourd, is currently without a release date, its production timeline irrevocably altered.
The cost of ambition
This isn't simply a failed film; it's a tangible demonstration of the inherent risks involved in massive investments in speculative projects, particularly within the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The $50 billion commitment to OpenAI was already a bold move, and ‘Artificial’’s demise serves as a stark reminder that even the most ambitious strategies can falter under scrutiny. The film’s final cast includes Yura Borisov and Cooper Hoffman.