Andrew Garfield has broken his silence on Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to part ways with Artificial, saying the film ultimately found the right distributor after being picked up by Neon ahead of the awards season, writes Variety.
Andrew Garfield has shared his thoughts on Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to drop Artificial, the Luca Guadagnino-directed drama centred on OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman.
Speaking while promoting his upcoming film The Magic Faraway Tree, the Oscar-nominated actor said he was only partly surprised by the studio’s decision and expressed gratitude for Amazon’s support during production.
Reflecting on the unexpected move, Garfield suggested that some projects are simply better suited to different studios.
“I was and I wasn’t surprised,” he said.
“I think there are certain things that fit certain places and don’t fit other places. They were nothing but supportive and encouraging while we were making the film. Luca has a really great relationship with them, and I’ve developed a lovely relationship with them as well. I’m grateful they’ve helped the film find the home it was meant to find.”
The film was later acquired by Neon, which has committed to mounting an awards campaign for this year’s Oscars.
Written by Simon Rich, Artificial dramatises the dramatic events surrounding Sam Altman’s dismissal and subsequent reinstatement as OpenAI’s chief executive in 2023.
Garfield portrays Altman, with a cast that also includes Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, Mark Rylance, Ike Barinholtz, Jason Schwartzman, Zosia Mamet, Cooper Hoffman, Chris O’Dowd, Cooper Koch and Billie Lourd.
Amazon MGM reportedly stepped away from the project after concluding it would be “better served” by another distributor.
The decision came months after Amazon entered a major partnership with OpenAI and less than a year after Altman attended Jeff Bezos’ wedding.
Despite portraying one of the technology industry’s most recognisable figures, Garfield revealed he never reached out to Altman during his preparation for the role.
“I wouldn’t know how to. I don’t have his number or email,” he said, adding that he would happily speak with Altman if the opportunity ever arose.
The actor explained that extensive public material allowed him to study the OpenAI chief.
“He’s very well documented. There are lots of interviews, visuals, audio and reporting. Of course, I would have loved—and still would love—to meet Sam. But I’m playing a version of the character written in the script. You try to be as truthful to that as possible, but you can never fully understand another person. We’re all deeply layered, and I’m sure Mr Altman is no exception.”
Garfield’s co-star Cooper Hoffman admitted he was less surprised by Amazon’s decision to abandon the project.
“I was shocked they picked it up in the first place,” Hoffman said at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film I Want Your Sex.
“When they dropped it, I thought, ‘That actually makes sense.’ But then Neon picked it up, which I’m really happy about. I love Neon and couldn’t be happier.”
With Neon now backing the nearly completed film, Artificial is expected to compete during the upcoming awards season.
