In a significant development ahead of the Cannes film market, it has been revealed that Gal Gadot and Isla Fisher have joined the cast of the highly anticipated thriller Bitcoin, directed by Doug Liman. They will star alongside notable actors Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson. Previously referenced as Killing Satoshi in certain reports, the film is now officially titled Bitcoin, with sales being launched by Patrick Wachsberger’s production company, 193.
Details surrounding the characters and synopsis have also emerged. Affleck portrays Craig Wright, a computer scientist whose controversial claim to be the creator of Bitcoin forms the crux of the narrative. This marks a reunion between Liman and Affleck, as they previously collaborated on the upcoming Apple film The Instigators. Joining them, Davidson plays the role of blockchain investor Calvin Ayre, while Gadot takes on the character Charlotte “Lotte” Miller, with Fisher also involved in a pivotal role. The screenplay has been penned by WGA Award-winning writer Nick Schenk, known for his work on Gran Torino, and the film is produced by Ryan Kavanaugh and Lawrence Grey. Production for Bitcoin kicked off in late February.
The official synopsis describes the film as a thrilling account of one man’s relentless pursuit to validate his claim as the originator of Bitcoin. The narrative not only probes the quest for recognition but also showcases the dire consequences that come with it. Wright’s assertion has led him into a perilous situation, igniting a global uproar and a tumultuous competition involving tech magnates and world leaders, all while the stability of the entire financial system hangs in the balance. The driving question within the story probes why some of the world’s most influential figures would go to such lengths as to silence one man, even to the point of spending extensive resources to do so.
The film’s protagonist, Craig Wright, hails from Australia and has publicly maintained that he is a central figure behind the creation of Bitcoin, claiming to be the face behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. However, many in the cryptocurrency community have disputed his assertions. Notably, in 2024, the British High Court ruled that he is not Nakamoto, mandating that he cease making such claims.
Wachsberger expressed enthusiasm about the project’s captivating premise, stating, “This is an exciting and gripping story, set in the mysterious and high-stakes real world of crypto. It is brought to life by the brilliant Doug Liman, with whom I am thrilled to reunite after our success with Mr. & Mrs. Smith, alongside an incredible team of talent and producers. We can’t wait to share some of the exciting and inventive footage of Bitcoin with our international partners in Cannes.”
Additionally, the film gained attention a few months back due to a casting notice that highlighted the innovative use of AI technology in its production. Reports indicated that the indie film might employ AI to enhance certain performances, utilizing a “markerless performative capture stage,” thereby creating a unique filming environment devoid of traditional locations.
This project marks a notable return for Ryan Kavanaugh, a former powerhouse in film production known for financing hits like The Social Network and The Fast and the Furious, prior to Relativity Media’s collapse in 2015. Recently, Kavanaugh has embraced cryptocurrency, adding further intrigue to the project.
Overall, Bitcoin is shaping up to be a compelling exploration of modern technology and the complexities of identity in the digital age, poised to attract significant attention during its upcoming presentation at the Cannes film market.
