Apple Studios and A24 are teaming up to bring the story of disgraced crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried to the big screen. The film, based on Michael Lewis’s bestselling book “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon,” will chronicle Bankman-Fried’s rise and fall as the founder of FTX.
Apple acquired the rights to Lewis’s book for a record-breaking $5 million. While still in early development, the film has already generated significant buzz due to its focus and the creative team involved.
Lena Dunham to Script the Sam Bankman-Fried Biopic
Lena Dunham, best known for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed HBO series “Girls,” has been tapped to write the screenplay.
Dunham’s signature wit and sharp social commentary seem like an intriguing fit for a story that blends the complexities of the crypto ecosystem with the human drama of ambition, deception, and downfall.
While Dunham’s previous work has primarily focused on contemporary relationships and social issues, this project marks a radical departure from her usual. It will be interesting to see how her unique voice translates to this new context.
From the Boardroom to Hollywood
Once hailed as a visionary entrepreneur and the “next Warren Buffett,” Sam Bankman-Fried saw his empire crumble in 2022 when FTX collapsed.
Bankman-Fried was subsequently arrested and convicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. He currently faces a 25-year prison sentence while appealing his conviction.
The film will explore the personality of Bankman-Fried, his motivations, rise to prominence, and the disastrous decisions that led to his downfall. It will also examine the broader implications of the FTX collapse for the cryptocurrency industry.
Apple Joins the Race to Tell the FTX Saga
Apple’s Sam Bankman-Fried biopic is not the only project in development about the FTX saga. Amazon has also ordered a limited series based on the events. Likewis, there are reports of other productions in the works
With Lena Dunham at the helm of the screenplay and Apple’s backing, SBF’s biopic may very well be one of the most dramatic movies in recent financial history.
