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It’s been in the works for well over a year, but Netflix is diving into the world of the failed FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried. While Netflix has yet to officially unveil the series, more details are emerging about the formerly untitled series, which is now believed to be called The Altruists. The story focuses on Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison, the disgraced former CEO and executive of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Here’s an updated guide to everything we know about the project so far.
Oscar-winner Graham Moore is attached to write and co-showrun with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, which is working on the project under their overall deal with Netflix. Moore is best known for writing on The Imitation Game, The Outfit, and The Holdout. James Ponsoldt is reportedly on board to direct at least one episode, having previously worked on shows like Parenthood, Shameless, and Master of None, and feature films like Off the Black and Smashed. Jacqueline Hoyt is reportedly on board to co-showrun the eight-episode series, with previous credits including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Good Wife, and The Leftovers.
Speaking to Netflix, Moore said, “For nearly three years now, Sam and Caroline’s story has been my daily obsession. I’m so grateful to my friends at Netflix and Higher Ground for loving this story not only as much as I do, but in the same way that I do. And we can’t wait to show all of you why.”
Once hailed as the “Crypto King,” Sam Bankman-Fried, also known simply as SBF, was a rising star in the business world, albeit a somewhat unconventional one. He raised billions for his cryptocurrency exchange FTX and was hailed as a genius by many. Of course, his legacy was left in tatters because, by November 2022, the floor had begun to collapse, with crimes being exposed and a giant black hole of customer funds missing. By March 2024, after a lengthy public court proceeding, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $11 billion in assets.
We first got alerted that Netflix was eying some project based on Sam Bankman-Fried earlier in 2024, when the streamer optioned five articles from Vox Media, with those being:
- How SBF Allegedly Did It by Kevin T. Dugan.
- Could Caroline Ellison Be Cutting a Deal With the Justice Department? by Kevin T. Dugan.
- These Skeptics Saw ‘Scam Bankman-Fraud’ Coming by Kevin T. Dugan.
- It Was All a Game for Sam Bankman-Fried by Kevin T. Dugan.
- What Does Sam Bankman-Fried Have to Say for Himself? by Jen Wieczner.
We then did some digging and found out they were developing this new series from Higher Ground. We were told early on that the new series would focus on Sam’s relationship with Caroline Ellison, his girlfriend who also served as an executive at the cryptocurrency exchange company. Netflix declined to comment on the project when we first approached them in May 2024 and continues to do so now.
Variety and Deadline initially reported that Ozark star Julia Garner is close to a deal to play the role of Caroline Ellison, which is now confirmed.
While we initially heard that Evan Peters, best known for his roles on American Horror Story and Netflix’s DAHMER, was in negotiations for the role of SBF himself, Netflix has now confirmed Anthony Boyle will play the role. Boyle is set to play a major role in the new UK series House of Guinness in addition to previously starring in Tolkien and Tetris.
Pictures: Getty Images
Netflix isn’t the only one cashing in on the story. Projects are being worked on at Amazon Prime Video, with a limited series adaptation with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO. Apple Studios is teaming up with A24 for a film based on Michael Lewis’s book Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, with Lena Dunham set to write. Vice Media and The Information are collaborating on a documentary. That’s not including the countless books in the works.
When will filming begin on The Altruists?
According to the latest production listings, the project is not only titled The Altruists but filming will begin on July 1st, 2025, and run through to November 24th, 2025. That means a 2026 release date seems likely. It’s filming entirely in Vancouver, Canada, under the production company name Fogo Island Productions.
Other details on people attached include:
- Production Manager: Bradley Jubenvill
- Production Coordinator: Laurie Kean
- Location Manager: Ken Brooker, Greg Jackson
- Assistant Location Manager: Patrick Subarsky, Clayton Carroll
We’ll continue to update you once we receive more information. Are you excited about the prospect of a big new series on Sam Bankman-Fried at Netflix? Let us know in the comments down below.
