Satoshi Nakamoto Biopic 'Killing Satoshi' Sparks AI Controversy

Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson star in film that plans to use AI to modify actor performances.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The upcoming biopic 'Killing Satoshi', detailing the life of the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is drawing attention for its ambitious and potentially controversial use of artificial intelligence throughout the production process. The film's producers plan to utilize AI not only for generating backgrounds and locations, but also to 'adjust' actor performances by changing elements like lip movements, facial expressions and body language. This approach has raised concerns from labor unions, copyright lawyers and legal bodies about the implications for job security and intellectual property rights.

Why it matters

The film's reliance on AI to fundamentally reshape actor performances raises novel legal and ethical questions, as traditional post-production adjustments are being expanded through the use of generative AI and machine learning technologies. If successful, this approach could pave the way for a new wave of AI-driven filmmaking that reduces reliance on physical locations, reshoots and even the physical presence of actors, potentially democratizing filmmaking but also exacerbating concerns about the displacement of human workers and the erosion of artistic control.

The details

Producer Ryan Kavanaugh disclosed that the production intends to utilize AI to 'change, add to, take from, translate, reformat or reprocess' actor performances, using 'generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and/or machine learning technologies' to modify elements like lip movements, facial expressions and body language. Actors will perform on a 'markerless performative capture stage and not in any locations.' Kavanaugh has sought to allay concerns, emphasizing that the intention is to use AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, not to replace human talent. However, the broad language in the casting notice suggests a level of control over performances that goes beyond traditional editing techniques.

  • The upcoming biopic 'Killing Satoshi' is scheduled for release in 2026.

The players

Killing Satoshi

An upcoming biopic detailing the life of the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto.

Ryan Kavanaugh

The producer of 'Killing Satoshi' who disclosed the production's plans to utilize AI to modify actor performances.

Casey Affleck

An American actor who is set to star in 'Killing Satoshi'.

Pete Davidson

An American comedian and actor who is also set to star in 'Killing Satoshi'.

Satoshi Nakamoto

The pseudonymous individual or group responsible for inventing Bitcoin in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“We were very cautious, sensitive and overly protective of our actors to make sure we only use performance capture AI which means that we will not have any AI-generated actors that do not exist.”

— Ryan Kavanaugh, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

The film's reception, both critically and commercially, will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, including labor unions, copyright lawyers, and studios, as they assess the potential implications of this AI-driven approach to filmmaking.

The takeaway

Killing Satoshi is not simply a biopic about the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, but a bellwether for the future of the entertainment industry, as it grapples with the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and creative production.