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Apple Studios and A24 are joining forces to bring Michael Lewis’s bestseller Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon to the big screen, diving into the meteoric rise and crash of crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and his crypto exchange, FTX, according to a report from Variety.
The film, set to be scripted by Lena Dunham – creator, writer and director of HBO series Girls – will offer a look not only at the financial labyrinth SBF created but also the complex character at its center: a disheveled billionaire who defied norms even as he gained fame.
For A24, known for exploring flawed, multi-dimensional characters, Going Infinite is a perfect addition to its acclaimed filmography. For a decade, A24 has cemented itself as a force in independent film, frequently drawn to controversial or unorthodox figures.
A24 has gained a reputation for producing daring, character-driven films that probe themes of ambition, moral ambiguity, and personal failure. Its catalog, including films like Uncut Gems and Good Time, highlights individuals walking the line between ambition and self-destruction, making it a fitting studio for a story as layered and dramatic as SBF's.
SBF’s story is, in essence, a cautionary tale of a young billionaire who rose on promises of democratized finance and effective altruism, only to implode under allegations of fraud and betrayal. His transformation from a "crypto Gatsby" to a convicted felon sentenced to 25 years paints a vivid picture of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the mirage of wealth built on volatile assets.
Michael Lewis’s book on SBF was itself a front-row seat to his implosion, with Lewis embedded in SBF's life even as the billionaire’s carefully constructed image crumbled.
From Wall Street to The Big Short, films on financial powerhouses tend to resonate widely, but A24’s approach often pushes these narratives further, dissecting the characters in ways that are gritty, unvarnished, and deeply human.
By taking on SBF's story, A24 will extend its footprint into true-story dramas that resonate with global events and real consequences. It’s a pivot that showcases A24’s growth from a studio of niche indie hits to a cultural commentator unafraid to delve into modern finance. Apple Studios’ involvement adds a layer of production power and distribution, ensuring the story reaches a global audience keen to witness the high-stakes world of digital finance and those who gamble with billions.
Our money's on Jesse Eisenberg to play the lead, with Kristen Stewart as Caroline Ellison and Steven Yeun as Gary Wang.
