T.J. Miller and Jon Heder have been cast as the lead roles in a new animated, interactive social comedy series titled FORTUN3. The series is based on the story of Sam Bankman-Fried, the alleged fraudster and founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and the Alameda Research trading firm, both of which collapsed in 2022 and filed for bankruptcy before their CEO faced numerous criminal charges related to fraud and conspiracy.
Miller, known for his role in the TV show “Silicon Valley,” will portray a character inspired by Bankman-Fried, while Heder, best known for his role in “Napoleon Dynamite,” will also voice star in the series. Amber Rose, a recurring guest star and executive producer, will also be part of the cast.
Produced by Web3 story studio Toonstar, FORTUN3 is set to release sometime late this fall or early winter. Alongside the series, Toonstar will also launch an A.I.-powered companion game of the same name. This game, described as a cross between “Sims” and “Game of Life,” will allow players to develop characters through a series of life decisions and moral dilemmas. The game will have an impact on the storylines of the series, with A.I. technology fueling the development of original characters and digital comic books based on gameplay. Players will also have the opportunity for their characters to earn a role in the animated series, creating a truly interactive and immersive experience for fans.
Toonstar sees this interactive form of storytelling as a new way to engage with audiences and redefine entertainment franchises. According to John Attanasio, co-founder and CEO of Toonstar, today’s entertainment consumers expect more than passive entertainment. They want to participate in the storytelling and engage with other fans in a way that resembles gaming models. This approach not only provides greater fan engagement but also opens up new revenue streams for the entertainment industry.
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The series is a meta-project for Toonstar, which utilizes A.I. and blockchain technologies. The studio has previously produced other animated series such as “The Gimmicks,” “House of Chico,” and “Space Junk.” In fact, “Space Junk” features a character voiced by artificial intelligence technology.
T.J. Miller expressed enthusiasm for being a part of this groundbreaking project, stating that FORTUN3 offers fans a unique opportunity to participate, enjoy, and actually be a part of the show. He believes that the series will blow people’s minds.
The real-life inspiration for the series, Sam Bankman-Fried, has been at the center of a financial scandal. He was arrested in the Bahamas and extradited to the U.S. where he was indicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud, commodities fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and campaign finance law violations. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $250 million bail agreement.
Toonstar, founded in 2015 by John Attanasio and Luisa Huang, is a story studio that focuses on using new technologies to create engaging and interactive content. Attanasio has a background in marketing and has worked with major studios like DreamWorks Animation and Warner Bros. Huang has experience in strategy and business development as well as consumer products at Disney.
The release of FORTUN3 comes at a time of conflict in Hollywood, with members of the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA at odds with studios and streamers over new technology issues. One of the key points of disagreement is the role of artificial intelligence in writing and TV and film performance.
In conclusion, the upcoming series FORTUN3, led by T.J. Miller and Jon Heder, promises to offer a unique and immersive interactive experience for viewers. With the companion game and A.I.-powered storytelling, Toonstar aims to redefine audience engagement and provide a model for the future of entertainment franchises. The series is set to release later this year, and fans are eagerly awaiting a mind-blowing experience.
