Ike Barinholtz to Play Elon Musk in AI Movie ‘Artificial’

Published: Jul 24 2025

Ike Barinholtz, who has just secured his debut Emmy nomination for his exceptional portrayal in "The Studio," is currently in negotiations to bring Elon Musk to life in the upcoming film titled "Artificial," directed by the acclaimed Luca Guadagnino, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Amazon MGM stands as the cornerstone of this ambitious project, with leading roles slated for Andrew Garfield and the burgeoning talent Yura Borisov, who shot to fame with his role in "Anora."

Ike Barinholtz to Play Elon Musk in AI Movie ‘Artificial’ 1

Initial whispers about the film hinted at it being based on the dramatic events of 2023 surrounding the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, which witnessed a tumultuous saga where its CEO, Sam Altman, was abruptly dismissed and then inexplicably rehired within the span of days. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, found himself locked in a strategic dispute with Altman and the company, culminating in a very public breakup and a legal web of entanglements.

The production is being expertly overseen by Heyday Films' David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford, who will don the hats of producers. Simon Rich, the scriptwriter, will also take on a producer's role, with Jennifer Fox in negotiations to join the esteemed producing team. Meanwhile, Guadagnino is preparing for the Venice Film Festival premiere of his latest endeavor with Amazon MGM, "After the Hunt," starring Julia Roberts. His previous collaborations with the studio have been nothing short of remarkable, including "Challengers," "Bones & All," and "Suspiria."

Currently, Barinholtz can be seen stealing the show in the Hollywood satire "The Studio," directed by Seth Rogen and streaming on AppleTV+. He is represented by UTA, Artists First, and Yorn Levine, showcasing his versatility and talent in the ever-evolving world of Hollywood.

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