It sounds almost too Hollywood to be true: a high-stakes tech drama centered on a corporate coup, employee revolt, and a comeback that defied expectations. Yet, Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly fast-tracking a feature film that dramatizes the whirlwind days in November 2023 when OpenAI’s board abruptly ousted CEO Sam Altman—only to reinstate him days later amid uproar from staff and investors. The project, tentatively titled Artificial, aims to capture the essence of that brief but seismic episode in AI history, blending the tension of boardroom intrigue with the larger conversation about the future of artificial intelligence.

The real-life events unfolded like a thriller. On November 17, 2023, OpenAI’s board informed Altman that they had lost confidence in his leadership, a surprise move that sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and the broader tech community. Within hours, key executives resigned in solidarity, and hundreds of employees threatened mass departures. Reports later revealed a mix of concerns over AI safety processes, alleged lapses in communication, and claims of “psychological abuse” leveled against Altman—issues that the board weighed before making their fateful decision. However, the dramatic reversal came just days later: under pressure from employees, investors, and major backers like Microsoft, the board relented, reinstating Altman on November 22, 2023. This swift “Uno Reverse” move only amplified the saga’s drama and cemented its allure as a cinematic story.

Bringing this narrative to the screen is Luca Guadagnino, who is in talks to direct the film. Known for his evocative storytelling in films like Call Me By Your Name and his stylistic flourishes in Suspiria and Challengers, Guadagnino has built a reputation for finding humanity in seemingly disparate contexts. Translating the tension of Silicon Valley boardrooms and the ethical questions around AI into his lush, sensory palette could offer a fresh take on tech dramas. Sources suggest that Amazon MGM is keen to get production rolling as early as this summer, eyeing locations in San Francisco—and even Italy, perhaps to lean into Guadagnino’s trademark sensibility and to provide visual contrast between the high-stakes Silicon Valley setting and more reflective, character-driven scenes.

Casting speculation has already ignited buzz: Andrew Garfield is reportedly in talks to play Sam Altman, a choice that resonates given Garfield’s past portrayal of Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network—another film that explored tech ambition and complex personalities. Monica Barbaro is being eyed for the role of Mira Murati, OpenAI’s then-interim CTO who stepped in amid the chaos, while Russian actor Yura Borisov may portray Ilya Sutskever, the co-founder who played a pivotal role in the boardroom revolt. If confirmed, this ensemble promises to bring gravitas to characters who were at the heart of one of the tech world’s most dramatic standoffs.

The screenplay is reportedly penned by Simon Rich, known for his comedic touch on projects like Saturday Night Live and An American Pickle. That pairing of Guadagnino’s visual elegance with Rich’s ear for humor suggests the film may balance the gravity of corporate governance and existential AI stakes with human moments—awkward boardroom exchanges, late-night debates among engineers, or Altman’s own reflections during those fraught days. Injecting levity could help humanize figures often portrayed as larger-than-life in media coverage, making the narrative accessible to audiences beyond tech insiders.

Contextualizing the November 2023 episode is crucial for viewers less familiar with the behind-the-scenes of AI development. Prior to the ouster, OpenAI had grown into a juggernaut of generative AI, propelled by the runaway success of ChatGPT. Yet, internal tensions simmered: some board members and researchers voiced concerns about safety protocols, pace of development, and the company’s evolving mission from non-profit roots to a capped-profit model with heavy investor influence. Reports indicated that certain executives felt communication lapses and undisclosed strategic shifts created governance blind spots. Meanwhile, employees rallied around Altman, convinced that his vision and network of supporters were vital to OpenAI’s momentum. Capturing these layers—ambition vs. caution, transparency vs. control, innovation vs. risk—offers fertile ground for a nuanced dramatization that resonates beyond the tech bubble.

Production timelines hint at a lean schedule: insiders say shooting could begin in summer 2025 in San Francisco to capture authentic locales—offices, cafés, and perhaps even late-night hack sessions—then shift to Italy for more introspective or symbolic sequences, a space where Guadagnino often situates emotional beats. The juxtaposition of glitzy tech campuses with quieter Mediterranean settings may underscore characters’ inner journeys: grappling with the weight of AI’s potential, personal ethics, and the fallout from a public spectacle.

Beyond the immediate drama, the film comes at a time when AI is firmly entrenched in cultural conversations, from regulatory debates to existential risk discussions. By dramatizing a real episode that laid bare power dynamics within one of AI’s flagship organizations, Artificial could spark reflection on governance, accountability, and the human dimensions of technological leaps. For audiences, it may offer a window into why a few days in November 2023 felt like a reckoning moment: the threat of talent exodus, investor battles, and broader societal stakes around AI safety and impact.

However, adapting real events entails challenges. The filmmakers must navigate legal clearances, the perspectives of those involved, and the balance between dramatization and factual integrity. Some participants may be reluctant to revisit sensitive details, while others might seek influence over their portrayals. The screenplay will likely fictionalize names or compress timelines for narrative flow, though early reports suggest the film will stick close to recognizable figures and events—heightening both interest and scrutiny.