Apple Studios and A24 have begun work on a feature film based on Sam Bankman-Fried's rise and downfall, adapting the story from Michael Lewis’ recently published book, Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.
While Bankman-Fried, former FTX CEO, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Hollywood is bringing his story to the big screen.
Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon has drawn interest and controversy. Lewis tackles the world of cryptocurrency, focusing on Bankman-Fried’s ascent within the industry. However, critics argue that Lewis’ portrayal minimizes the consequences faced by investors who found themselves unable to access billions of dollars in assets when FTX collapsed.
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Lewis presents not only Bankman-Fried's success and downfall but also his involvement with “effective altruism”. According to him, it may have shaped some of Bankman-Fried’s actions, even if it indirectly contributed to decisions that led to his alleged misuse of funds. This portrayal of Bankman-Fried as someone driven by ambition and an altruistic vision adds layers to his character—making it an intriguing subject for a film adaptation.
Writer-director Lena Dunham will reportedly pen the film’s screenplay. Dunham, known for her work on Girls and Treasure, brings her distinct voice to the adaptation, potentially framing Bankman-Fried’s choices within broader themes of ambition, ethics, and downfall.
This planned film follows nearly two years of intense scrutiny of FTX’s operations since its bankruptcy filing on November 11, 2022. FTX’s shook financial markets and regulatory frameworks, prompting the accusation of multiple top-level executives.
Nishad Singh, a former engineering director at FTX, pleaded guilty and cooperated as a witness in Bankman-Fried’s trial, leading to his release on time served. Meanwhile, Gary Wang, a co-founder of FTX, awaits his sentencing later this month, marking yet another chapter that continues to unfold both in the courts and now, soon, on the silver screen.
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