Amazon Abandons $40 Million AI Film by Luca Guadagnino
WHO:
Inc - The film "Artificial" stars Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Mashable - The film was directed by Luca Guadagnino.
WHAT:
GeekWire - Amazon MGM Studios stated that the film "Artificial" would "be better served if it were released by a different studio."
Coming Soon - Several top buyers, including Focus Features, Warner Bros.' Clockwork division, A24, and Netflix, have all declined to acquire "Artificial" after Amazon's decision to abandon the film.
Inc - Amazon has abandoned the $40 million film "Artificial."
Mashable - The film was nearly finished before Amazon decided to drop it.
WHERE:
Inc - The film is associated with Hollywood, where the decision has caused shockwaves.
WHY:
Inc - The reason for Amazon's decision to abandon the film remains unclear.
HOW:
Mashable - Amazon had previously partnered with OpenAI for the film before deciding to drop it.
(UPDATED June 22, 2026 18:21 UTC)
Amazon MGM Studios has announced that the film "Artificial" would be better served if it were released by a different studio. This statement was made at 18:21 UTC, highlighting a significant shift in the film's distribution plans. The decision reflects the studio's assessment of the project's potential success under new management.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 06:44 UTC)
In a significant turn of events, several major buyers, including Focus Features, Warner Bros.' Clockwork division, A24, and Netflix, have all opted not to acquire the film "Artificial" after Amazon decided to abandon the project. This decision leaves the future of the film uncertain as it searches for a new home. The industry is closely watching how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 04:17 UTC)
Amazon has made the surprising decision to abandon the nearly finished film "Artificial," which stars Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and was directed by Luca Guadagnino. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, especially since Amazon had previously partnered with OpenAI for the project. The reasons behind Amazon's choice to drop the film remain unclear at this time.