‘Artificial’, a movie based on OpenAI, goes into production; this Spiderman actor to play CEO Sam Altman

A new Hollywood film titled Artificial is in the works, and it’s centred on Microsoft-backed AI startup OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman. The film, described as a comedic drama, is being helmed by Call Me by Your Name director Luca Guadagnino. Production is currently underway in San Francisco, with the movie eyeing a 2026 release.

Actor Andrew Garfield, best known for The Social Network and The Amazing Spider-Man, is reportedly playing the role of Sam Altman, according to a report from Variety. While the casting hasn’t been officially confirmed by the production team, Garfield has been seen filming outside Altman’s own home on Lombard Street, where one local, Sam White, said, “He nailed the way Altman moves and talks.”

Monica Barbaro, known for Top Gun: Maverick, is reportedly portraying Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former interim CEO. Actor Yura Borisov is believed to be playing co-founder Ilya Sutskever. Jason Schwartzman and Ike Barinholtz have also been spotted on set, with speculation that Barinholtz may be portraying Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI and later became a critic of its direction.

The production has been seen filming across notable San Francisco spots like Dolores Park, the Fillmore District, and Russian Hill. Multiple reports confirm that the crew shot scenes directly outside Sam Altman’s residence, a rare move that further suggests the film’s biographical slant. Security has been tight, with flyers distributed to local residents about upcoming shoot schedules.

‘While plot specifics remain under wraps, Artificial appears to explore OpenAI’s transformation from a non-profit research lab to a global tech powerhouse shaping the AI industry. The tone is expected to blend drama with satire, offering a fictionalised take on the people and power struggles behind one of Silicon Valley’s most talked-about companies.