Bitcoin biopic Killing Satoshi leans into generative AI
Mashable
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The upcoming biopic *Killing Satoshi*, starring Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson and directed by Doug Liman, is sparking controversy for its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The film aims to tell the story of Bitcoin's enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, but has drawn criticism from actors and industry professionals due to its innovative use of AI technology. Producer Ryan Kavanaugh revealed that the movie will utilize AI not only to generate realistic backgrounds and settings but also to adjust actor performances. Actors will perform on a markerless stage without real locations, with AI potentially altering their performances post-recording.
This approach has raised concerns within the film industry, particularly as it navigates the growing role of generative AI in creative processes. While Kavanaugh emphasized that AI is being used to enhance efficiency while preserving actors' roles, critics worry about the potential displacement of workers and the ethical implications of AI's influence on storytelling. The use of AI tools like Seedance 2.0 and Google’s Veo 4 highlights its transformative power, as seen in examples such as an AI-generated scene featuring Keanu Reeves and Arnold Schwarzenegger or a clip of Jack Black portraying Darth Vader.
Despite the buzz, *Killing Satoshi* is set to be one of the first films to test these boundaries, offering a glimpse into how AI could shape the future of filmmaking. As the industry grapples with
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/14/2026