A new feature film diving into the origins of Bitcoin and the mystery of its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, is heading for a worldwide release. Starring Gal Gadot and Casey Affleck, the movie, tentatively titled 'Bitcoin' (previously referred to online as 'Bitcoin: Killing Satoshi'), brings one of the most contentious debates in the cryptocurrency world to the big screen. Directed by Doug Liman, the film is being marketed as “the first fully AI-generated studio-quality feature film” and has completed production, with international sales launching at the Cannes market through Patrick Wachsberger’s 193 sales and production company.
Plot Overview: A War Correspondent Investigates Craig Wright
The story follows Charlotte “Lotte” Miller (played by Gal Gadot), a war correspondent recruited by blockchain investor Calvin Ayre (Pete Davidson) to write an investigative report on Australian computer scientist Craig Wright. Casey Affleck portrays Wright, and Isla Fisher also stars. The screenplay was written by Nick Schenk, with Ryan Kavanaugh and Lawrence Grey producing. Production began in late February. The synopsis describes the film as “a high-stakes conspiracy thriller that asks questions those in power don't want answered.” A longer description presents the film as the story of a man attempting to prove he created Bitcoin — a claim that allegedly endangers his life and triggers a global controversy involving tech billionaires, world leaders, and the future of the financial system.
Craig Wright's Controversial Claims and Industry Division
From the Bitcoin industry's perspective, the film tackles a deeply polarizing topic. Wright’s assertion that he is Satoshi Nakamoto has been challenged for years by developers, researchers, and other sector participants, many pointing to the lack of accepted cryptographic proof. A British court ruling in 2024 also dismissed his claim, adding legal weight to the skepticism. Within the BTC community, Wright is widely referred to as “Faketoshi,” and critics have accused him of fraud related to these claims. The film's narrative — which seems to leave room for Wright's version of events — is likely to reignite a debate that many in the industry consider legally and technically settled.
Polarized Reactions Expected from Crypto Community
Given that most bitcoin users view Wright’s claims as discredited rather than unresolved, the film may provoke a strong backlash from the crypto world. Some will see it as reopening a closed case, while others may view it as an attempt to revive unanswered questions about motive and power. The synopsis asks: “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?” This framing ensures the film will not be a neutral historical account but a dramatic interpretation of one of crypto’s most enduring controversies. Producer Patrick Wachsberger told Deadline: “This is an exciting and gripping story playing out in the mysterious and high-stakes real world of cryptocurrency.”
AI Production Method Raises Eyebrows
The production method has also drawn attention, as the term “fully AI-generated” largely refers to AI-built environments and visual effects, while actors perform traditionally with digital surroundings added in post-production. This hybrid approach marks a new milestone in AI's role in filmmaking. The movie is set to generate significant discussion both within the crypto community and among general audiences, blending cutting-edge technology with a narrative that has divided the industry for years.