Luca Guadagnino’s OpenAI Drama 'ARTIFICIAL' Begins Filming This Month - Here’s What It’s Really About

Published 07/04/2025, 9:32 PM EDT

anoraComedy shows have long been the darlings of rising entertainment trends, but there is another wave quietly building alongside it, one that is a bit more cerebral and, dare say, Artificial. One can think of it as the Shakespearean drama of our digital age, where the stage is set not with kings and queens but with algorithms and CEOs. As audiences navigate the complexities of modern life, Luca Guadagnino, in particular, is turning to narratives that explore the intersection of humanity and technology, blending wit, tension, and the timeless art of storytelling.

When the Silicon Valley meets the theatrics of Hollywood, expect less iambic pentameter and more algorithmic drama.

The drama behind the AI generated curtain of Artificial

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 Luca Guadagnino, the visionary director known for Call Me By Your Name, is set to direct Artificial, a film dramatizing the tumultuous events at OpenAI in 2023. The story centers on the shocking ousting and rapid reinstatement of OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, during a crisis that rocked Silicon Valley. Amazon MGM Studios is fast-tracking the production, as reported by Deadline, with filming slated to begin this summer in San Francisco and Italy. The screenplay, penned by Simon Rich, has promised a comedic yet dramatic exploration of AI’s ethical and corporate battles.

The film’s casting adds a rich layer of talent to this tech saga. Andrew Garfield, known for his intense and nuanced performances, steps into the shoes of Sam Altman, capturing the CEO’s complex blend of visionary leadership and vulnerability. Monica Barbaro, who has garnered acclaim for her dynamic roles in Top Gun: Maverick and UnREAL, will portray Mira Murati, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, along with the recent acclaim-studded film Anora's rising star, Yura Borisov, nestled comfortably atop the cast list. 

Mikey Madison Hopes to Work With Luca Guadagnino, Honing Herself as a Double-Edged Sword in Action and Film-Making

If you thought your office politics were wild, wait until you see a tech boardroom where AI ethics and power plays collide. Spoiler alert: the bots are not the only ones calculating moves.

The plot unplugged: ethics, and boardroom battles and being Artificial

Artificial dives into the internal conflicts of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, during a period of intense scrutiny over AI safety and leadership. The drama unfolds with Sam Altman’s sudden removal by the board, sparked by concerns over the direction of AI development and alleged misconduct. However, the story takes a twist as over 700 OpenAI employees threaten to resign unless Altman is reinstated, leading to a swift reversal within five days. This cinematic retelling promises to humanize the complex ethical debates and power struggles that define the AI revolution, all while maintaining a tone that balances tension with wit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Behind the scenes: the making of a modern classic

Luca Guadagnino’s involvement signals a project with surefire artistic depth and cinematic flair. Armed with heavyweight producers David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford of Heyday Films, and locations spanning San Francisco’s tech hubs to the picturesque landscapes of Italy, Artificial aims to visually contrast the cold, calculated world of AI with the warmth and chaos of human ambition. More than just a movie, Artificial is roping in the potential of a cultural milestone that could shape public perception of AI. Much like The Social Network immortalized Facebook’s origin story, Guadagnino’s film might become the definitive portrayal of AI’s early controversies and triumphs.

Fans Are Visibly Agitated as Latest DC Scoops Reveal A Weird Future for Colin Farrell Following 'The Penguin' Success

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of Luca Guadagnino’s new take on Artificial Intelligence? Let us know in the comments below. 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Adiba Nizami

373 articles

Adiba Nizami is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. Covering the Hollywood beat with a voice both sharp and stylish, she blends factual precision with a flair for wit. Her pieces often dissect celebrity narratives—both on-screen and off—through parasocial nuance and cultural relevance.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK