A feature film exploring the origins of Bitcoin and the enduring mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto is set for a global premiere. Titled 'Bitcoin' (previously referred to as 'Bitcoin: Killing Satoshi' in online reports), the movie stars Gal Gadot, Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, and Isla Fisher, and is directed by Doug Liman. Patrick Wachsberger’s 193 Films launched international sales at the Cannes market, signaling a push toward global buyers. Production company Acme AI & FX confirmed that principal photography has wrapped.
Plot: A Conspiracy Thriller at the Heart of Crypto
The story follows war correspondent Charlotte 'Lotte' Miller (Gal Gadot), who is recruited by blockchain investor Calvin Ayre (Pete Davidson) to write an investigative report about Australian computer scientist Craig Wright (Casey Affleck). Wright has long claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, but has failed to provide widely accepted cryptographic proof. The film’s synopsis describes it as 'a high-tension conspiracy thriller that asks the question those in power don’t want answered.' It further teases: 'If Craig Wright didn’t invent Bitcoin, why is a coalition controlling trillions in global wealth spending hundreds of millions and risking everything to destroy him?'
Craig Wright’s Controversy: From Faketoshi to Legal Rejection
The movie tackles one of the most divisive topics in the cryptocurrency space. Wright’s claim to be Satoshi has been challenged for years by developers, researchers, and other industry participants. In 2024, a UK court ruling dismissed his assertion, adding legal weight to the skepticism. Within the BTC community, Wright is widely labeled 'Faketoshi,' and critics have accused him of fraud related to these claims. The film's release is likely to reopen a debate many consider settled by judicial conclusions and technical evidence, risking further polarization in the crypto world.
Technical Milestone: First Fully AI-Generated Studio-Quality Film
The production method of 'Bitcoin' is also noteworthy. It is being marketed as the 'first fully AI-generated studio-quality feature film' — with 'fully generated' referring primarily to AI-built environments and visual effects, while actors perform traditionally with digital backdrops added in post-production. Scripted by Nick Schenk and produced by Ryan Kavanaugh and Lawrence Grey, filming began in late February. This cutting-edge approach mirrors the film’s subject matter, creating a meta-narrative about technology, identity, and truth in the digital age.
Industry Impact: Revisiting Satoshi’s Disappearance After 15 Years
It has been 15 years since Satoshi Nakamoto posted his 575th forum message on Bitcointalk and vanished forever. 'Bitcoin' arrives at a time when the identity of the creator remains a cultural and philosophical touchstone. For many Bitcoiners, anonymity is integral to the decentralized ethos; Wright’s imposture is seen as a betrayal. The film may deepen existing divisions but also attract mainstream curiosity about cryptocurrency’s foundational mystery. As producer Wachsberger told Deadline: 'This is an exciting and captivating story unfolding in the mysterious and high-stakes real world of cryptocurrency.'
An official release date has not been announced, but global distribution is already underway. As the first trailer looms, 'Bitcoin' is poised to become one of the most talked-about crypto-cultural events of 2026.