Luca Guadagnino's highly anticipated film about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will arrive in UK cinemas on January 22, 2027, following its US release on Christmas Day 2026. The film, titled "Artificial," chronicles the dramatic events surrounding Altman's sudden firing and reinstatement at OpenAI, capturing a pivotal moment in the race to control artificial intelligence technology.

What Is "Artificial" About?

The film focuses on what the synopsis describes as "the incredibly consequential days leading up to the sudden firing and reinstatement of Sam Altman, as the fate of who gets to control the technology at the centre of an AI arms race hangs in the balance". This refers to the November 2023 events when OpenAI's board abruptly removed Altman from his role before reversing the decision just days later, a sequence of events that shocked the tech industry and raised questions about governance and control within one of the world's most influential AI companies.

The film marks a significant creative undertaking from Oscar-nominated director Luca Guadagnino, who previously helmed acclaimed films including "Call Me By Your Name" and "Challengers." The screenplay was written by Simon Rich, a writer known for his work on "Saturday Night Live".

Who Stars in the Film and What's the Cast?

Andrew Garfield takes on the lead role of Sam Altman, bringing his acting prowess to portray the controversial tech mogul. The ensemble cast includes several notable performers who round out the story of OpenAI's internal drama:

• Yura Borisov: Russian actor known for his work in contemporary cinema
• Monica Barbaro: Actress recognized for roles in television and film
• Cooper Hoffman: Son of acclaimed actor Philip Seymour Hoffman
• Jason Schwartzman: Versatile performer with extensive film and television credits
• Chris O'Dowd: Irish actor known for comedic and dramatic roles
• Ike Barinholtz: Comedian and actor from "The Mindy Project"
• Mark Rylance: Oscar-winning actor with a distinguished career in theater and film

How to Follow "Artificial" Before Its Release

If you're interested in seeing the film before it arrives in theaters, here are the key dates and screening opportunities to mark on your calendar:

• New York Film Festival Premiere: The film will have its world premiere on October 5, 2026, at the New York Film Festival, giving critics and industry insiders their first chance to see the finished product
• BFI London Film Festival Screening: A Gala screening will take place on October 11, 2026, at the BFI London Film Festival, less than a week after the New York premiere
• US Theatrical Release: The film will arrive in American cinemas on Christmas Day 2026, making it a potential holiday viewing option for audiences interested in tech-focused narratives
• UK and Ireland Release: UK and Irish audiences will get their theatrical release on January 22, 2027, exactly one month after the US debut

Why Did Amazon Drop the Film?

The journey to release has not been straightforward. The film was originally set to be distributed by Amazon Prime Video, but the streaming giant dropped the project earlier in 2026. Reports suggested that Amazon's decision stemmed from concerns about how the film portrayed Altman, though the company's official statement was more diplomatic.

An Amazon spokesperson stated: "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. 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 was subsequently picked up by NEON, an independent film distributor known for releasing distinctive and often provocative cinema.

What Does This Mean for the AI Industry Narrative?

The production and release of "Artificial" reflects growing mainstream interest in the personalities and power dynamics shaping artificial intelligence development. By dramatizing one of the most significant corporate governance crises in recent tech history, the film brings OpenAI's internal conflicts to a wider audience beyond tech industry insiders. The involvement of acclaimed filmmaker Guadagnino and a star-studded cast signals that stories about AI leadership and control are now considered worthy of serious cinematic treatment, similar to how films have previously explored other transformative industries and historical moments.

The film's journey from Amazon to NEON also underscores the sensitive nature of depicting real, ongoing figures and companies in contemporary cinema. As AI continues to shape global technology policy and business strategy, narratives about how these companies are governed and led will likely become increasingly important cultural touchstones.