Neon has officially acquired global rights to Luca Guadagnino’s film “Artificial” from Amazon MGM Studios, according to Deadline. The deal follows Amazon’s decision not to release the film, which focuses on the tumultuous firing and reinstatement of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.[1]
What happened
The film, written by “Saturday Night Live” writer Simon Rich, depicts critical days in 2023 when Sam Altman was suddenly fired and then reinstated as CEO of OpenAI. According to the report, the movie explores the implications of who controls technology at the center of an evolving AI landscape. Guadagnino noted, “This film will resonate amidst the ongoing AI arms race.”[2]
Produced by Rich and Guadagnino alongside David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford of Heyday Films, “Artificial” incorporates cinematography by Malik Hassan Sayeed. Neon aims to showcase this film at various film festivals as part of its awards slate for the year.
Why it matters
The acquisition signals Neon’s commitment to innovative storytelling and collaboration with visionary filmmakers. “Artificial” is poised to compete in this year’s Oscar race, increasing its visibility and significance in the cinematic landscape.
Background
On May 1, 2026, Amazon MGM Studios announced it would not be releasing “Artificial.” This decision followed a positive audience reaction during preliminary screenings. Despite this setback, Amazon affirmed its ongoing partnership with Guadagnino, with whom it has collaborated on multiple films.[3]
What’s next
Neon has plans to premiere “Artificial” at prestigious film festivals, likely including the Venice Film Festival, where Guadagnino has a history of notable submissions. A specific premiere date has not yet been announced.
