Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Artificial’ Loses Netflix, A24 and Focus Interest as Mubi Steps In

Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial is facing an unexpected challenge after several major distributors decided not to move forward with the project. The highly anticipated drama about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been shown to potential buyers, but many of the biggest names have reportedly passed on picking it up.

According to Variety, Focus Features, Warner Bros.’ Clockwork, A24 and Netflix have all decided not to acquire the film after private screenings. However, the movie still has interest from other companies, with Mubi currently looking at the project and Neon also rumored to be interested.

The film’s future became uncertain after Amazon MGM Studios suddenly stepped away from the project. Amazon had originally developed Artificial and planned to release it in early 2027, but the studio later decided the movie would be better handled by another distributor.

Amazon said the decision was not connected to the subject matter of the film and explained that it believed the project would find a better home elsewhere. The company also said it was working with the filmmakers to help find a new distributor.

CAA Media Finance, which represents Guadagnino, has been organizing screenings in an effort to secure a new deal. The film is almost finished and reportedly has a production budget of around $40 million.

Artificial stars Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman, with the story focusing on the dramatic events surrounding OpenAI’s leadership crisis in 2023. During that period, Altman was removed as CEO by the company’s board before returning just days later.

The film is written by former Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich and has been described as a “The Social Network” for the artificial intelligence era. The story begins with OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, played by Yura Borisov, before moving into the company’s internal power struggle.

The cast also includes Monica Barbaro as former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, along with Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Cooper Koch, Billie Lourd, Zosia Mamet, Chris O’Dowd and Mark Rylance.

The project has attracted attention because of its subject matter. The film reportedly presents a controversial version of events involving powerful figures in the technology industry, including Altman and Elon Musk, who is played by Ike Barinholtz.

The search for a distributor could be complicated because some companies have close connections to the technology world. Variety noted that A24, which passed on the film, is backed by Thrive Capital, an investor connected to OpenAI.

Mubi appears to be one of the strongest possible homes for Artificial. The independent distributor already has a working relationship with Guadagnino, having released several of his projects in different markets, including Queer and Suspiria in the United Kingdom.

Mubi has also previously stepped in to support risky films. The company acquired The Substance after Universal dropped the project before its Cannes debut. That movie later became a major awards success and earned multiple Oscar nominations.

Artificial could follow a similar path if it finds the right distributor. While the film may be considered a difficult release because of its real-world subject, it also has the potential to become an awards contender.

The movie was originally expected to launch at SXSW before Amazon’s exit changed those plans. Depending on who acquires it, Artificial could now become a possible title for major festivals such as Venice.

For now, Guadagnino’s latest project remains without a confirmed release date, but with several companies still interested, the film’s journey is far from over.

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