A major motion picture delving into Bitcoin’s origins is heading toward a worldwide premiere, reigniting the debate over the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto. Starring Gal Gadot and Casey Affleck, the film tackles Craig Wright’s contentious assertions and their impact on Bitcoin’s narrative.
‘Bitcoin’ Film Revealed
According to reports from CryptoComLearn, the movie – previously known as Bitcoin: Killing Satoshi – has completed production, with international sales being handled by 193, a film sales and production company led by Patrick Wachsberger. Directed by Doug Liman, the feature stars Gal Gadot as Charlotte "Lotte" Miller, a war correspondent, Casey Affleck as Craig Wright, Pete Davidson as blockchain investor Calvin Ayre, and Isla Fisher in a supporting role. The story follows a journalist recruited to write an investigative report on Wright, pulling her into a global conspiracy surrounding Bitcoin’s creator.
Described as a "high-stakes conspiracy thriller that asks the question no one in power wants answered," the synopsis further poses: If Craig Wright didn’t invent Bitcoin, why would a coalition controlling trillions in global wealth spend hundreds of millions and risk everything to destroy him? This framing gives the film a dramatic edge.
Craig Wright’s Controversial Claims
Since 2016, Australian computer scientist Craig Wright has claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, a statement widely challenged by developers, researchers, and industry participants. In 2024, a UK court ruling rejected his claim, adding legal weight to skepticism. Within the Bitcoin community, Wright is often called "Faketoshi," and critics have accused him of fraud related to these claims. By bringing this dispute to mainstream cinema, the film is expected to deepen polarization. Some Bitcoin proponents view Wright’s claims as legally and technically discredited, while others may see the film as an attempt to reopen unanswered questions about motive and power.
A Milestone in AI-Assisted Filmmaking
The movie is marketed as the "first fully AI-generated studio-quality feature film." However, this refers primarily to AI-built environments and visual effects; actors performed traditionally with digital surroundings added in post-production. The innovative technique has drawn attention from tech circles. Production began in late February, with a script by Nick Schenk and producers Ryan Kavanaugh and Lawrence Grey.
Industry Reactions and Satoshi’s Legacy
Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of Satoshi Nakamoto’s departure from public view – his 575th forum post was the last communication – the film carries symbolic weight. Observers anticipate polarized responses within the crypto world. Some see it as rehashing a settled debate, while others view it as a fresh look at unresolved questions about Bitcoin’s origin and the nature of decentralized money. Patrick Wachsberger told Deadline: “This is an exciting and captivating story playing out in the mysterious and high-stakes real world of cryptocurrency.”