Andrew Garfield appears to question Sam Altman’s public image after past admiration

The actor also reveals he never actually met Altman despite filming scenes outside his home

Andrew Garfield has offered a revealing account of how his perception of Sam Altman evolved, recalling a time when he considered the OpenAI chief executive an inspiring figure before expressing uncertainty about his public image.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on Monday, the actor discussed his preparation for Artificial, Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film about the founding of OpenAI and the controversy surrounding Altman’s departure and subsequent return.

Garfield recalled first becoming interested in Altman after watching him testify before Congress. He was particularly impressed by the technology executive’s comments about transparency, artificial intelligence risks and his stated commitment to helping humanity.

The actor also admired Altman’s apparent willingness to defend his position in a challenging political environment.

Garfield said he had initially viewed him as someone whose values and priorities were in the right place. He even joked that Altman could become his future best friend.

However, his comments suggested that his earlier admiration had become considerably more complicated.

"He convinced me that he was nothing but purely altruistic, which, I mean, it’s all playing out. I’m not gonna comment on those things," Garfield said, adding that people could form their own opinions about what was happening.

The actor also expressed concern about the future of artificial intelligence, warning that society needed artists and influential people to participate in conversations about regulation and protecting human autonomy.

Meanwhile, Garfield addressed an unusual detail involving Altman’s account of the film’s production. The technology executive had previously suggested that the pair exchanged waves while the production filmed outside his San Francisco home.

Garfield disputed the story, insisting that he never saw Altman in person and had no interaction with him during filming.

He said the production had been told Altman was not home that day, leaving open the possibility that the executive had mistaken someone else for him.