Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's $220B Phantom Heads to Hollywood in 'Killing Satoshi'

Hollywood is set to bring the enigmatic story of Bitcoin’s mysterious creator to the big screen with the upcoming thriller Killing Satoshi, starring comedian Pete Davidson and Oscar winner Casey Affleck. The film, directed by Doug Liman—the man behind The Bourne Identity and Mr. & Mrs. Smith—is described as a “David and Goliath” narrative, where unlikely antiheroes challenge powerful institutions in a battle over the definition of money and who controls it [2]. The screenplay, written by Nick Schenk, is based on the real-world mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous figure believed to have created Bitcoin in 2009 [2].

Satoshi Nakamoto, whose true identity has never been confirmed, is estimated to control around 1.1 million Bitcoin, currently valued at approximately $122 billion [2]. The wallets attributed to Nakamoto remain untouched, adding to the intrigue and speculation that has surrounded the identity for over a decade. The film’s plot centers on a fictional elite group that attempts to suppress the truth about Nakamoto’s identity, highlighting the broader implications of Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and its threat to traditional financial power structures [2].

The project is being produced by Ryan Kavanaugh, known for The Social Network and The Fighter, who has also been an outspoken advocate for cryptocurrency. Kavanaugh described Killing Satoshi as a film that goes beyond Bitcoin’s origins and instead explores what the cryptocurrency stands for [2]. He likened the film’s thematic approach to The Social Network, which examined the rise of Facebook, suggesting that Killing Satoshi will offer a similarly deep exploration of the implications of decentralization and financial independence [2].

Production is set to begin in October 2025 in London, with a planned release in mid-2026 [2]. The film has already drawn attention within the crypto community, as it brings high-profile talent and significant financial backing to a story that has long fascinated investors and technologists alike. For many in the crypto space, the film represents a cultural milestone—highlighting how far Bitcoin has come in terms of mainstream acceptance [2].

The timing of the film’s production also coincides with growing speculation that Nakamoto may soon enter the world’s top 10 richest individuals if Bitcoin’s price continues to rise. Analysts from Bitwise, Bernstein, and Standard Chartered have projected that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by 2026 [4]. At that level, Nakamoto’s estimated 1.1 million Bitcoin would be worth more than $220 billion, placing the creator ahead of current billionaires like Warren Buffett [4].

While the film is fictional, it adds to a broader conversation about who Satoshi Nakamoto might be. Over the years, numerous individuals—ranging from developers to entrepreneurs—have claimed to be the creator of Bitcoin, but none have provided irrefutable proof. The film’s narrative may not resolve the mystery, but it reflects the cultural and financial significance that the identity of Bitcoin’s creator continues to hold in both the crypto and entertainment industries [2].

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[1] Pete Davidson Set to Star in 'Killing Satoshi' Thriller: Variety (https://www.bankless.com/read/davidson-affleck-satoshi)

[2] Pete Davidson, Casey Affleck set to star in chilling thriller ' ... (https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/satoshi-nakamoto-mystery-heads-to-hollywood-in-thriller-killing-satoshi)

[3] Hollywood Hunts Bitcoin's Phantom Founder in Thriller “ ... (https://cryptonews.com.au/news/hollywood-hunts-bitcoins-phantom-founder-in-thriller-killing-satoshi-130674/)

[4] Movie 'Killing Satoshi' announced as Bitcoin founder close to ... (https://www.dlnews.com/articles/markets/killing-satoshi-film-comes-as-bitcoin-founder-top-10-richest-list/)