Andrew Garfield disputes Sam Altman’s claim they waved during ‘Artificial’ filming ‘I would have remembered’

Andrew Garfield has disputed Sam Altman’s account of waving to the actor while Artificial was filmed near the OpenAI chief executive’s home.

Altman told Vanity Fair that he came across the production while walking to get coffee in San Francisco. He said Garfield was dressed like him, carrying the same backpack and moving similarly. Altman recalled waving, describing the moment as unusual, but said they did not speak.

Garfield offered a different recollection when asked about Altman’s comments. Speaking at the film’s London premiere, he said, “I heard him say that and I was like, I would have remembered. I was so aware of looking for him when we were shooting near his house and on those streets. I didn’t see him and I was very, very disappointed that I didn’t.”

Garfield added that filming so close to Altman’s home felt thrilling, exciting and terrifying, but says he never saw him.

The contrasting accounts have drawn attention as Artificial prepares for release. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film dramatises Altman’s removal as OpenAI chief executive in November 2023 and his return five days later. Garfield plays Altman, alongside other figures connected to the company’s history.

Altman has said he does not expect the film to accurately depict his life, although he praised Garfield’s imitation of his walk and mannerisms after seeing the trailer. He also said the trailer’s portrayal of a bunker filled with firearms was fictional.

The production was originally associated with Amazon MGM Studios, but the company dropped the project. Neon later acquired it for distribution. The film is scheduled to open in select US cinemas on December 25, 2026.

Neither account establishes that the two men spoke or met formally. Altman described a wave, while Garfield says he does not remember seeing him during filming.