Tech behemoth Apple is set to bring the sensational rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the ill-fated cryptocurrency exchange FTX, to the big screen. The Ankler reports that Apple has acquired the film rights to a forthcoming book by Michael Lewis, titled “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.” This development coincides with Bankman-Fried’s upcoming trial on a slew of charges, including wire fraud, commodities fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and related conspiracy charges. The former head of FTX found himself at the helm of a cryptocurrency platform that spectacularly collapsed last year, resulting in nearly $9 billion in unaccounted-for customer funds.
This move by Apple raises questions about the potential impact of Bankman-Fried’s story on an entertainment industry that is emerging from its second-longest work stoppage. Could this riveting narrative, with its blend of meteoric success and devastating failure, serve as a much-needed catalyst for the industry, or will it become just another relic of a bygone era characterized by the Streaming Wars and tech giants’ extravagant spending?
Bankman-Fried, often referred to by his initials, SBF, has become the center of attention for Hollywood producers, with at least eight reported projects in the works about his life and the FTX debacle. In recent days, it has come to light that documentarian Nanette Burstein, known for her work on Hillary Clinton and John McAfee, is working on a high-profile documentary in collaboration with Propagate. This documentary promises exclusive inside access to Bankman-Fried’s story, though details remain tightly under wraps.
Michael Lewis, the renowned author, provided a unique angle to the story. He embedded himself with SBF for an entire year, gaining unprecedented insight into the crypto tycoon’s journey from ascent to arrest and extradition. Presently, Bankman-Fried is being held at Brooklyn’s infamous Metropolitan Detention Center.
The initial report of Lewis’s involvement ignited a bidding war among traditional Hollywood studios for the yet-to-be-written book, with Apple ultimately emerging victorious. While the exact price Apple paid to secure the rights hasn’t been officially disclosed, sources suggest it may have been a staggering $5 million.
In addition to Apple’s project, Fried’s story has attracted a flurry of interest from various quarters in Hollywood. Amazon Prime is set to produce an FTX miniseries under the direction of the Russo brothers, renowned for their work on Marvel’s “The Avengers.” This series is expected to delve into the intricacies of the cryptocurrency world.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s unique appearance, style, and eccentric behavior have also drawn comparisons to characters from movies and dramas, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative. As the entertainment industry eagerly anticipates the unveiling of “Going Infinite,” it remains to be seen how this captivating story will captivate audiences and potentially reshape the post-Strike era of Hollywood storytelling.
Read more:
- Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges DOJ’s Evidence Requests In Legal Showdown
- Sam Bankman-Fried Blames Advisory Lawyers For FTX’s Collapse
- US Department Of Justice Grants FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Laptop Access Amid Legal Battle