Netflix set to develop a limited series on Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX
One of the biggest financial trends to have risen and flat-lined just as fast was cryptocurrency. Netflix has announced the production of a limited series, The Altruists. It will follow the rise and crash of the exchange firm FTX, along with its infamous founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions, will produce the show, which will be part of their overall deal with Netflix. The storyline will follow the business of Bankman-Fried and his partner, Caroline Ellison. The show will cover everything from the ideation and creation of the new financial system to the infamous $8billion fraud.
It will feature Anthony Boyle and Julia Garner, who is recognised widely for her roles in the Netflix shows Ozark and Inventing Anna. Garner has received much critical acclaim for previous roles. She has won three Emmys for Ozark and was nominated for Inventing Anna. Boyle will play the role of Bankman-Fried, and Garner will star as Ellison.
The showrunners of the limited series will be Graham Moore, known for his work in The Imitation Game, and Jacqueline Hoyt, famous for The Leftovers. James Ponsoldt, who has previously helmed Shrinking, will be directing the show.
Moore shared at Netflix’s event, Tudum, that he has been dreaming of creating a show based on Bankman-Fried and Ellison’s story for close to three years. He is grateful to the production company and streaming giant for the opportunity and is eager to share their work with the audience.
FTX shut down in late 2022 after the $8billion fraud came into light. In November 2023, Bankman-Fried was charged with fraud and conspiracy. His former girlfriend and co-CEO, Ellison, testified against him.
The Altruists is not the only project being developed around the story of FTX. Apple and A24 will see a feature film written by Lena Dunham. Amazon Prime Video is also producing a limited series with the Russo Brothers’ entertainment company, AGBO.