Garfield Disputes Altman’s Account of a Wave on Artificial Set

Andrew Garfield says he never saw or waved to Sam Altman during filming of Artificial outside the OpenAI chief executive’s San Francisco home, contradicting Altman’s recollection of a brief encounter on the street.

Altman previously said he was walking to get coffee when he saw a man dressed like him, carrying the same kind of backpack and matching his mannerisms. He realized the production was filming nearby, and said the two waved before moving on.

Garfield said he was confused by Altman’s story. The actor recalled being told Altman was not home during the shoot and seeing a security guard. He suggested Altman may have mistaken someone else for him. Garfield also said he did not use a body double.

An OpenAI representative said Altman was home during filming and stood by his account that he waved to Garfield. The conflicting recollections remain unresolved in the accounts from the two men.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Artificial follows Altman’s firing and rehiring by OpenAI’s board in 2023, a span of five days. Garfield plays Altman, with Ike Barinholtz portraying OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk and Monica Barbaro playing former chief technology officer Mira Murati. The film is scheduled to open in theaters on Christmas Day.