Artificial intelligence has become a growing source of debate in Hollywood, and actor Andrew Garfield says portraying OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in the new film Artificial changed his personal relationship with ChatGPT. After using the chatbot as a research tool, Garfield says he stopped using it because working on the film left him more concerned about the technology’s capabilities and the people driving its development.

Speaking to Variety at the film’s premiere during the 64th New York Film Festival on October 5, 2026, Garfield explained that the experience made him wary of AI. He said he felt that the people encouraging widespread adoption of these technologies might not fully understand their capabilities, calling that uncertainty irresponsible.

What Is the Film Artificial About?

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Artificial explores the origins of OpenAI and the dramatic events surrounding Altman’s removal as CEO in November 2023. The company’s board reinstated him just five days later, turning the episode into one of the most closely watched leadership crises in the technology industry.

Garfield plays Altman, whose leadership and influence have become central to debates over the future of artificial intelligence. The film examines tensions surrounding the rapid development of AI, including concerns about safety, oversight and the responsibilities of companies building increasingly powerful systems.

Garfield’s performance drew praise following the New York Film Festival premiere. Variety critic Clayton Davis highlighted the actor’s unsettling portrayal and suggested it could put him in contention for a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards.

Will Angus, who appears in the film as former OpenAI employee and Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei, praised Garfield’s attention to Altman’s mannerisms, including his walk, head movements and distinctive vocal patterns.

Altman himself reportedly complimented Garfield’s imitation of his movements, although he did not expect the film to provide an entirely accurate account of his departure and reinstatement.

Why Andrew Garfield Stopped Using ChatGPT

Before working on Artificial, Garfield said he had been among ChatGPT’s users, employing the chatbot as a kind of advanced search engine for research.

He explained that he did not depend on it in the same way professionals in other industries might. However, learning more about AI while preparing to portray Altman left him feeling distrustful of the technology.

His comments reflect a broader public debate about how quickly artificial intelligence is advancing and whether developers are doing enough to address potential risks. The supplied report also points to polling from the Pew Research Center indicating that more than half of Americans feel more concerned than excited about AI’s growing presence in everyday life.

The entertainment industry has particular reasons to pay attention. Actors and other creative professionals have raised concerns about how AI could affect employment, artistic expression and the use of human performances in digital systems.

Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Actors?

Garfield does not believe actors will simply become useless because of AI. He argued that acting and storytelling preserve something deeply human, describing performers as people who help hold on to humanity’s emotional and creative core.

His position places the debate beyond questions of productivity or convenience. While AI tools can assist with research and other tasks, Garfield’s comments emphasize the value of human interpretation, lived experience and emotional connection in performance.

The film also raises questions about the responsibilities of powerful technology executives. Garfield said people in positions of power should be examined critically, suggesting that filmmaking can help audiences scrutinize influential figures and the decisions shaping society.

Whether Artificial changes viewers’ opinions about OpenAI or ChatGPT remains to be seen. But Garfield’s experience demonstrates how researching the people behind emerging technologies can prompt even their users to reconsider the tools they take for granted.

Related Links: ChatGPT, OpenAI and Artificial

For more information about the film and the technology at the center of the story, readers can explore:

• ChatGPT — OpenAI’s AI assistant
• OpenAI — Official website
• OpenAI’s research and approach to AI safety
• Variety — Entertainment industry news and film coverage
• New York Film Festival — Film premieres and festival information

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