Ike Barinholtz set to play Elon Musk in OpenAI movie
- Ike Barinholtz is in discussions to portray Elon Musk in the film 'Artificial,' which focuses on key events at OpenAI.
- The film explores the brief ousting of Sam Altman from OpenAI's leadership in late 2023 and the aftermath of the event.
- The portrayal of prominent figures reflects the complex dynamics within the tech industry and raises questions about leadership and governance.
In 2023, during a turbulent period at OpenAI, Sam Altman was unexpectedly fired from his position as CEO. The decision, taken by the company's board, was based on a lack of confidence in Altman's ability to lead. This surprise ousting led to significant backlash from employees, resulting in hundreds threatening to resign in protest. Just five days after his firing, Altman was reinstated as CEO after negotiations and public outcry against the board's decision. The events surrounding this tumultuous time are set to be portrayed in an upcoming comedy-drama film titled 'Artificial', with Ike Barinholtz portraying Elon Musk, one of OpenAI's co-founders. The script, still in development, suggests that both Altman and Musk may not appreciate their portrayals as it depicts Musk in a negative light at times. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is expected to shoot later this year and aims for a 2026 release, emphasizing the unique dynamics at play during this critical period in OpenAI's history. The narrative will delve into the complexities of leadership within tech companies, particularly related to AI and ethical considerations, painting a vivid picture of corporate governance and culture. With Andrew Garfield set to play Altman and Yura Borisov as Ilya Sutskever, the film aims to illustrate the high tensions and stakes associated with decision-making in a fast-evolving industry.