Cooper Koch Cast in Luca Guadagnino's AI-themed Film 'Artificial' for Amazon

Cooper Koch, a rising star known for his recent performance in the true-crime anthology 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' has officially joined the cast of 'Artificial,' an upcoming feature film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino for Amazon MGM Studios. The announcement was made on July 14, 2025, and the film is expected to explore themes related to artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on a critical period at OpenAI in 2023 when CEO Sam Altman faced a brief dismissal from his role.

The film has generated significant buzz due to its unique premise, which intertwines comedy and drama within the rapidly evolving world of AI. While specific plot details remain undisclosed, sources close to the production indicate that the narrative will delve into the tumultuous events surrounding Altman's firing and subsequent rehiring, an incident that raised eyebrows in the tech community and sparked widespread discussion about corporate governance in AI.

Koch will be joining a talented cast that includes Anora breakout Yura Borisov and Andrew Garfield. The script for 'Artificial' is penned by Simon Rich, who is also a producer alongside David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford from Heyday Films, as well as Jennifer Fox. This project marks another collaboration between Guadagnino and Amazon, following the director's successful ventures in both film and television.

Cooper Koch's recent acclaim, particularly a Golden Globe nomination for his role in 'Monsters,' positions him as a significant talent to watch in the industry. His portrayal of Erik Menendez has been described as compelling and nuanced, contributing to the show's success that debuted at number one on Netflix and dominated the Nielsen Streaming Chart with billions of minutes viewed.

In addition to his work in 'Monsters,' Koch has appeared in the Peacock/Blumhouse slasher film 'They/Them,' featuring alongside actor Kevin Bacon, and the indie horror film 'Swallowed' directed by Carter Smith. His diverse roles indicate a versatility that could potentially enrich his performance in 'Artificial.'

The casting of Koch adds to the anticipation surrounding the film, which has yet to announce its full roster of actors. As of now, discussions are ongoing with actress Monica Barbaro, who remains in talks to join the cast.

With the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence in contemporary discourse, 'Artificial' aims to reflect societal concerns through a comedic lens, potentially reaching audiences that are both tech-savvy and interested in the ethical implications of AI. As the film progresses towards production, it will be interesting to see how it balances entertainment with commentary on critical issues facing the AI industry.

In conclusion, 'Artificial' not only promises to be a significant entry in Amazon's film lineup but also holds the potential to spark conversations about the future of technology and its impact on society. As more information about the film emerges, industry insiders and audiences alike will be keen to see how Guadagnino interprets this timely subject matter.