Andrew Garfield Reflects on Portraying Sam Altman’s Complexity

WHO:

Deadline - Andrew Garfield, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI

Variety - Sam Altman, Andrew Garfield, Luca Guadagnino (director)

WHAT:

Deadline - Andrew Garfield prepared for months to portray Sam Altman, stating he was “listening and watching footage of him.”

Deadline - Garfield described his portrayal of Altman as “calculating, manipulative and nihilistic.”

Variety - Garfield initially found Sam Altman to be “F—ing Great” before learning more about him.

WHERE:

Variety - The world premiere of the film "Artificial" took place at the New York Film Festival.

WHEN:

Variety - Garfield recalled seeing Sam Altman testify to Congress for the first time, although no specific date was provided.

WHY:

Deadline - Garfield mentioned the “heavy responsibility” of playing a character like Altman.

HOW:

Deadline - Garfield prepared for the role by “day in and day out” practice and research.

(UPDATED October 6, 2026 04:04 UTC)

Andrew Garfield has been preparing for months to portray Sam Altman in the upcoming film "Artificial," which recently had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival. He described his portrayal as “calculating, manipulative and nihilistic,” and initially found Altman to be “F—ing Great” before diving deeper into his character. Garfield emphasized the “heavy responsibility” of playing someone like Altman, dedicating himself to “day in and day out” practice and research to capture the essence of the role.