Netflix, A24 and Warner Bros pass on Andrew Garfield's Artificial as early buzz divides Hollywood

Well, this is not the rollout anyone expected. Luca Guadagnino has a new movie, and instead of a feeding frenzy, buyers are quietly backing away. The film is called 'Artificial', Andrew Garfield leads it, and it was hyped when it was first announced back in June 2025. Now it is doing private screenings for distributors and test audiences, and the reaction in the industry is... complicated.

So, what happened with Amazon?

Amazon MGM was originally set to release 'Artificial'. Then Amazon signed a fresh deal with OpenAI, and not long after, it walked away from the film. People immediately connected those dots, but a Hollywood source speaking to Page Six pushed back on the idea there was anything more strategic at play.

"There wasn't some grand conspiracy at work."

Translation: Amazon says it was a taste call. Nothing more.

Who else has passed, and who almost bit

• Multiple major buyers saw the movie and declined: Netflix, A24, Warner Bros., and Focus Features are all out.
• Mubi nearly stepped in, then reportedly pulled its offer at the eleventh hour after lowering the number, spooked by how many others had already passed.
• Per Page Six, the film has been screened for both test audiences and a slew of potential distributors.

Early word: intriguing, but 'grim'

The feedback pipeline has been buzzy. World of Reel says test screenings drew mixed reactions. The most common note: the first hour is slow and underwhelming, but the back half clicks and builds momentum. Puck's Matt Belloni heard one potential buyer call it "grim" and said it leaves you chewing on big questions about where humanity is headed. Not exactly the easy-sell vibe studios love.

So what is 'Artificial' actually about?

Official plot details are under wraps. But per Deadline, the movie riffs on the real 2023 boardroom meltdown at OpenAI, when Sam Altman was abruptly fired and then reinstated a few days later. The project has been described as a comedy, which is interesting given the darker reactions out of those early showings. Call it a tech-world farce that apparently stares into the abyss.

Where this leaves Guadagnino and Garfield

Guadagnino, best known for 'Call Me by Your Name' and 'Bones & All', teamed with Garfield and what is said to be a big-name ensemble. The film is reportedly close to finished, and despite the buyer cold shoulder, it is not dead in the water. World of Reel has floated a 2026 festival debut as likely, with Venice a possible landing spot.

Bottom line: a buzzy filmmaker takes on the OpenAI saga with Andrew Garfield, buyers call it dark and thorny, Amazon steps away while insisting it is just taste, and now the movie is shopping for a new home. Honestly, someone could make a second movie about this movie.

Curious where you land on this: would you show up for a Guadagnino take on the Altman saga if it is less comedy and more existential facepunch?