EXCLUSIVE: David O. Sacks Productions, Mark Goffman and Getaway Entertainment are teaming to produce a feature-length film about Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic founder of Bitcoin, with Sophia Banks set to direct. The movie, based on Andrew O’Hagan’s longform article “The Satoshi Affair,” will delve into the mystery surrounding the elusive creator of the world’s most revolutionary digital currency, blending investigative journalism with captivating storytelling.
“This film will be akin to watching The Social Network without knowing who the Mark Zuckerberg character might actually be,” Sacks remarked. “I’m delighted that we have the correct team in place to bring O’Hagan’s investigation, and the events since that period, to life.”
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Producers David Sacks and Daniel Brunt optioned the article and took it to longtime collaborator Mark Goffman, who is adapting the screenplay and producing with Sacks and Brunt. Producing for Getaway Entertainment are Damiano Tucci, Banks and Arwen Elys Dayton. David Siemer is executive producing.
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The film will explore the dramatic events that led O’Hagan to investigate the mysterious figure known only as Satoshi Nakamoto, and his pursuit to uncover the true identity of the cryptic inventor behind Bitcoin. O’Hagan’s article was originally published in the London Review of Books as a long read and then published by Faber in the anthology The Secret Life. His first-person search for the truth takes readers on a journey through the technological innovation that has transformed the global financial system, along with the numerous eccentric and mercurial personalities he encountered.
“We are so excited to be partnering with David, Daniel and Mark on this upcoming project,” said Tucci. “The story of Bitcoin’s creator is one that has captivated the world for years. We can’t wait to dive into one of the greatest modern-day mysteries and provide a deeper look into the world of cryptocurrency.”
Goffman added, “What I love is that it isn’t another story about crypto fraudsters or even greed. This is the story of highly flawed, overlooked outsiders who rebelled against Wall Street in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis that took everything from them and millions of other people. And they’ve created a currency that has revolutionized the global financial industry.”
Banks is known for her ability to blend gripping, character-driven narratives with thought-provoking themes. “The challenge of bringing such a complex story to life is one I am eager to take on,” said Banks, whose directing credits include the 2022 action thriller Black Site starring Michelle Monaghan, Jason Clarke and Jai Courtney. “This film will not only explore the question of ‘Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?’ but also the cultural and technological ripple effect that the creation of Bitcoin has had, and continues to have, on our world.”
Getaway’s upcoming slate of projects includes the Cary Joji Fukunaga-helmed Blood on Snow starring Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson; Oh, Canada from Paul Schrader starring Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Jacob Elordi and Michael Imperioli; Hand of Dante from Julian Schnabel with an ensemble cast including Gal Gadot, Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, Jason Momoa and Al Pacino; and The Luckiest Man In America starring Paul Walter Hauser, Walton Goggins, Maisie Williams, David Strathairn and Johnny Knoxville.