Netflix has just announced the lead actors for its new series based on the infamous FTX scandal. The show, which will be titled The Altruist, is a limited series that focuses on the events leading up to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The series will dive deep into the bankruptcy of FTX and the fraud charges that followed. On May 30, Netflix revealed the two main actors who will be playing the key characters in the series. The characters are Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX, and Caroline Ellison, his ex-girlfriend and the former CEO of Alameda Research. The show is expected to be an eight-episode drama that will explore the rise and fall of FTX.
Julia Garner and Anthony Boyle will portray Caroline Ellison and Sam Bankman-Fried in the new limited series The Altruists.
Two hyper-smart young idealists try to remake the global financial system in the blink of an eye…only to seduce each other into stealing $8 billion. pic.twitter.com/zBB3ieqwMr
— Netflix (@netflix) May 29, 2025
The show will be produced by Higher Ground, a production company founded by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Higher Ground is known for creating content that tells impactful stories. This is a major project for Netflix, and many people are excited to see how they will portray the events surrounding the FTX scandal.
The Lead Actors for Netflix FTX Drama Series
In its announcement, Netflix confirmed that Anthony Boyle will play Sam Bankman-Fried, and Julia Garner will portray Caroline Ellison. Both actors have been recognized for their outstanding work in other popular shows and movies. Anthony Boyle is a Northern Irish actor known for his roles in mini-series like Say Nothing and Masters of the Air. He is also featured in the upcoming Netflix show House of Guinness. Boyle has appeared in several films, including Tetris and Tolkien. Julia Garner is an Emmy-winning actress who gained fame for her role in Ozark. She has also starred in Inventing Anna, Maniac, and The Get Down. Garner’s acting skills have made her a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
The Story and Creative Team Behind “The Altruist”
According to Netflix, The Altruist will tell the story of two young idealists who tried to change the global financial system, only to be seduced by greed and end up stealing $8 billion. The show’s creators aim to give the audience a look into the world of crypto and the consequences of ambition gone wrong. The show will be co-run by Graham Moore and Jacqueline Hoyt. Moore is known for his work on The Imitation Game and The Outfit, while Hoyt has worked on The Underground Railroad, Dietland, and The Leftovers. Together, they bring a strong creative vision to the project.
James Ponsoldt, an experienced director known for films like The Spectacular Now and TV shows like Daisy Jones & The Six, will direct the first episode. Vinnie Malhotra and Jessie Dicovitsky will serve as executive producers for Higher Ground Productions.
Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison: The Real People Behind the Story
The series will closely follow the real-life story of Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison, who were involved in one of the biggest financial scandals in recent years. Sam Bankman-Fried, once a popular figure in the crypto world, is now facing serious charges after FTX’s collapse. Caroline Ellison, who was once in a relationship with Bankman-Fried, is also involved in the legal fallout. As of now, Bankman-Fried has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, though he may be released earlier due to good behavior. He was initially sentenced to a long prison term, but his sentence was reduced after he participated in prison programs. Caroline Ellison, on the other hand, is serving a 24-month sentence and is expected to be released in May 2026.
When Will “The Altruist” Be Released on Netflix?
Netflix has not yet announced an exact release date for The Altruist. However, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the story of FTX will be brought to life on the screen. Given the real-life drama and high stakes of the FTX scandal, the show is expected to attract a lot of viewers. This limited series is shaping up to be a must-watch, as it gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about financial scandals in recent history. The series will certainly spark conversations about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of fraud in the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency.
