The Bitcoinverse is currently abuzz with anticipation as HBO prepares to air its documentary, “Money Electric: The bitcoin Mystery,” which aims to reveal the true identity of bitcoin's elusive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The feature is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, October 8, 2024 at 2 am CET (Tuesday at 9 pm EST).
Directed by Emmy-nominated Cullen Hoback, known for his investigative prowess on the critically acclaimed series “Q: Into the Storm,” the documentary aims to take viewers on an exciting journey to the origins of bitcoin. Hoback's previous work successfully unmasked the architects behind the QAnon conspiracy theory, raising expectations that he might actually have the investigative skills to tackle the Satoshi Nakamoto enigma.
In a tantalizing teaser posted on x, Hoback wrote: “Some of you may have wondered why I disappeared. Well, I was tracking down someone else who went missing. Are you curious to know who is behind bitcoin? #DineroEléctrico: The mystery of bitcoin falls next Tuesday. “It's going to be a roller coaster.”
Who will HBO present as the inventor of bitcoin?
This statement has sparked speculation on social media platforms, with many wondering if Hoback has actually discovered the identity of the person (or group) behind the Satoshi Nakamoto pseudonym. Despite the enthusiasm, the btc community remains largely skeptical.
Pierre, a respected crypto analyst, x.com/pierre_crypt0/status/1841912466139447344″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>voiced his doubts via Dennis Porter, CEO and co-founder of the Satoshi Act Fund, echoed similar sentiments: “HBO did not discover Satoshi's identity. However, the trailer looks great.”
Max Keizer, a prominent bitcoin advocate and early adopter, flatly dismissed the documentary's claims: “SPOILER ALERT. No, they don't. “This is a repeat of the bitcoin nonsense from around 2016.”
The documentary also attracted comments from Peter McCormack, a podcaster and crypto expert, who x.com/PeterMcCormack/status/1841879033610448917″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>underlined the ethical implications of unmasking Satoshi: “Satoshi gave the world a profound gift in bitcoin, but deliberately chose to remain anonymous, a decision that must be respected. “Efforts to unmask them are not only irresponsible but potentially dangerous.”
It should be noted that not all reactions have been negative. Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3 and a participant in the documentary along with cypherpunk and early bitcoin supporter Adam Back, x.com/Excellion/status/1842007753256272003″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>highlighted the possible positive impact of the film: “HBO has ~100 million subscribers who now have the opportunity to learn about #itcoin. Regardless of what #MoneyElectric's response to the Satoshi 'mystery' is, having bitcoin on par with Game of Thrones and The Sopranos is a great opportunity to take some orange pills.”
The intrigue has led to an avalanche of speculation about who the documentary might point to as Satoshi. Furkan Yildirim, a popular German crypto YouTuber, offered his own theory: “Wretched claim: HBO thinks it knows who Satoshi Nakamoto is. (…) Who or what do you think they are presenting? My bullshit crystal ball prediction: something to do with China or Russia.”
However, Polymarket bettors think differently. Their first choice is Len Sassaman with 45% of all votes at press time.
The mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto has been the subject of fascination since the bitcoin whitepaper was published in 2008. Among the most speculated candidates are Hal Finney, a renowned cryptographer and the first person other than Satoshi to use btc, the computer scientist Nick Szabo and Hashcash inventor Adam. Back. All of them have denied being Satoshi.
Notably, Finney already died on August 28, 2014 and can no longer respond. After new emails from Satoshi surfaced in the Craig Wright case, CEHV partner Adam Cochran x.com/adamscochran/status/1761111031928033749″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>speculated in February of this year: “I always thought Hal Finney was the main person behind Satoshi Nakamoto (supported by one or two other supporting characters). And I think the new emails overwhelmingly help support that.”
At the time of publication, btc was trading at $61,550.
Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com
