Hold onto your crypto, as the buzz around Doug Liman’s AI-enabled satire centered on Bitcoin is gaining momentum. Starring big names like Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, Gal Gadot, and Isla Fisher, the film is set to feature some well-known supporting characters that could stir both controversy and interest.
Among the notable figures included in the film are versions of tech giants such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, and political figures like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and Eric Trump. The narrative revolves around a man’s perilous quest to assert that he is the creator of Bitcoin, instigating a high-stakes competition involving tech billionaires and world leaders, with the integrity of the financial system at risk.
What sets this film apart is its use of AI; the portrayals of these public figures, initially recorded by actors, will likely undergo AI enhancements to bear a closer resemblance to their real-life counterparts. Actors involved have already consented to these modifications, based on earlier casting notices.
In the screenplay, Zuckerberg has been granted the most dialogue among the public figures, while Eric Trump is depicted promoting “Trump coin” and is shown in an amusing scene with a stripper. There’s also a brief nod to Tesla CEO Elon Musk expected to be included. Although these figures are not the main characters of the film, their inclusion seems to align with the satirical tone reminiscent of shows like “Saturday Night Live” or “South Park.”
The project has attracted significant attention in recent months largely due to its pioneering use of AI technology. Instead of traditional location shooting, the filmmakers have opted for a “markerless performative capture stage,” enabling a substantial cost reduction. Liman suggests this AI technology allows the film to be produced at a budget of $70 million, a stark contrast to the typical $200 million or more for similar projects.
To achieve this innovative approach, the filmmakers are utilizing proprietary AI from producer Ryan Kavanaugh’s ACME AI label alongside Liman’s PECAN (Performance Capture Animation) process, ensuring compliance with established Hollywood guild guidelines.
The film stars Affleck as Craig Wright, a computer scientist known for his controversial claims of being the mind behind Bitcoin and the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto. Davidson portrays blockchain investor Calvin Ayre, while Gadot takes on the role of Charlotte “Lotte” Miller. The screenplay comes from WGA Award winner Nick Schenk, and the production is in its post-production phase, drawing attention across the industry.
Wright’s assertions about his connection to Bitcoin have been met with skepticism, as many in the cryptocurrency community have disputed his claims. A British High Court ruling deemed his assertion as false, ordering him to cease his declarations.
Ryan Kavanaugh, who has been out of the spotlight for several years since the collapse of his studio Relativity Media, is making a noteworthy comeback with this project. He has emerged as a proponent of cryptocurrency, adding another layer to the film’s narrative around this divisive topic.
As the project moves forward, expectations continue to build around its release, with many anticipating a compelling exploration of the intertwining worlds of technology, finance, and political intrigue.
