Netflix to Develop Movie Chronicling the Demise of Cryptocurrency Exchange FTX, Highlighting Founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Co-founder Gary Ellison
Netflix is set to delve into the world of cryptocurrency with a new biopic series, titled "The Altruists." The series, currently in development, is being produced by Higher Ground Productions.
Casting
Anthony Boyle has been selected to portray Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, while Julia Garner will take on the role of Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research and Bankman-Fried's on-and-off girlfriend.
Production Team
Graham Moore and Jacqueline Hoyt are serving as executive producers and co-showrunners. James Ponsoldt will direct the first episode and executive produce, with Julia Garner also taking on the role of executive producer. Barack and Michelle Obama will executive produce under their Higher Ground banner.
Series Details
The series consists of eight episodes and will explore the rise and fall of FTX through the lens of the complex relationship between Bankman-Fried and Ellison. The official logline highlights their ambitious plans to remake the global financial system, leading to a massive fraud involving $8 billion.
Shooting and Release
While specific release dates have not been announced, shooting plans were set to begin over the summer of 2025.
Other Developments
Vice Media and The Information are collaborating on a documentary about the FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapse. Numerous books about the FTX cryptocurrency exchange scandal are currently in progress.
Before the downfall of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the cryptocurrency industry. At the height of his career, he was a regular presence at major financial conferences, engaging with regulators and policymakers to shape the future of the cryptocurrency space.
Bankman-Fried's net worth soared, making him a recognizable name and a frequent feature in media outlets and lists of influential tech entrepreneurs. However, the FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapse involved Sam Bankman-Fried and former Alameda Research executive Caroline Ellison.
Multiple streaming platforms are reportedly looking to capitalize on the story, with Amazon Prime Video developing a limited series adaptation produced by Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO. Apple Studios and A24 are partnering to create a film inspired by Michael Lewis's "Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon," with Lena Dunham as writer.
Evan Peters is said to be in talks to play Bankman-Fried in the series, and Julia Garner is reportedly nearing a deal to portray Ellison. The rights to five articles from Vox Media centered on Bankman-Fried were secured by the streaming platform, signaling potential interest in developing a related production.
As the production of "The Altruists" moves forward, it promises to provide an in-depth look at the rise and fall of one of the most significant figures in the cryptocurrency industry.
[1] Variety. (2023, April 10). Julia Garner to Star in Netflix's Sam Bankman-Fried Biopic 'The Altruists'. Retrieved May 17, 2023, from https://variety.com/2023/film/news/julia-garner-sam-bankman-fried-biopic-netflix-1235688832/
[2] Deadline. (2023, April 10). Netflix's 'The Altruists': Julia Garner To Star In FTX Crypto Scandal Series From Higher Ground & Graham Moore. Retrieved May 17, 2023, from https://deadline.com/2023/04/netflix-the-altruists-julia-garner-to-star-in-ftx-crypto-scandal-series-from-higher-ground-graham-moore-1235688832/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, April 10). Julia Garner to Star in Netflix's FTX Crypto Scandal Series 'The Altruists'. Retrieved May 17, 2023, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/julia-garner-star-netflixs-ftx-crypto-scandal-series-the-altruists-1235698619/
The upcoming series "The Altruists" on Netflix, focused on the FTX cryptocurrency scandal, will undoubtedly attract attention not just from fans of movies-and-tv but also those following the world of entertainment. As the production progresses, it may be studied as a case of regulatory challenges in the context of the cryptocurrency industry, given the involvement of high-profile figures like Sam Bankman-Fried.
