AceShowbiz - Amazon MGM has opted not to distribute Luca Guadagnino’s film Artificial, canceling its planned early 2027 release and potential premiere at SXSW, TheWrap reports. Following Amazon MGM’s withdrawal, Netflix and Focus Features have also stepped back from competing to acquire the project, per TheWrap.

Imdb confirms that both Netflix and Focus Features have ceased their pursuit of Artificial. TheWrap adds that CAA Media Finance, representing Guadagnino, recently screened the film to prospective distributors, with boutique companies Mubi and Neon showing interest. Amazon MGM clarified that their decision to drop the film was unrelated to its subject matter or the depiction of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Luca Guadagnino directs Artificial, a $40 million drama portraying the week in 2023 when Sam Altman was fired and rehired by OpenAI, told through the eyes of co-founder Ilya Sutskever. TheWrap details the cast includes Andrew Garfield as a critical Sam Altman, Yura Borisov as Sutskever, and Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk, alongside Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Billie Lourd, and others. Simon Rich penned the screenplay.

Netflix has a history of backing major theatrical releases while maintaining a strong streaming focus, as AceShowbiz has previously covered. Despite Netflix’s pullout from Artificial, the platform continues to lead with notable film and documentary launches in 2026, highlighting its strategic approach to content acquisition and regional expansion.

The exit of Amazon MGM, Netflix, and Focus Features leaves the future of Artificial uncertain but opens a pathway for smaller distributors like Mubi, which has successfully picked up films dropped by major studios before. This shift illustrates the evolving landscape of film distribution, where prestige projects may find new life through specialized outlets despite initial setbacks.

This article is based on reporting originally published by TheWrap.