HBO Film Says Peter Todd Is Satoshi Nakamoto But He Says No
By Olivier Acuña | TH3FUS3 Chief Editor
October 9, 2024 10:00 AM
Reading time: 1 minute, 40 seconds
TL;DR HBO's new documentary 'Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery' has reignited the debate over Satoshi Nakamoto's identity. The film suggests Peter Todd as the creator of Bitcoin, but Todd has publicly denied these claims. The controversy highlights the enduring intrigue surrounding Bitcoin's origins.
The Documentary's Bold Claim
HBO has just lit the crypto world on fire with a revelation made in its latest documentary, 'Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery.'
Directed by Cullen Hoback, the film's goal was to solve one of the world's greatest enigmas—the true identity of Bitcoin's creator, known only as Satoshi Nakamoto.
The film assures us the culprit is Peter Todd, an early Bitcoin developer, as its prime suspect and explains why, although the alleged Satoshi denies it vehemently.
Peter Todd Denies Allegations
Shortly after the documentary's premiere, Todd took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to deny any involvement in Bitcoin's creation.
He tweeted emphatically, "I'm not Satoshi," dismissing the claims as speculative and lacking substance. Despite his denials, the film's narrative has already stirred considerable debate among crypto enthusiasts.
Evidence and Controversy
The documentary presents evidence linking Todd to Nakamoto, including analyzing Bitcoin forum messages and Todd's development contributions.
One such contribution was the "replace by fee" feature, which the film claims Todd implemented under the pseudonym "John Dillion." However, Todd and many in the crypto community argue that these connections are tenuous at best.
"Cullen is grasping for straws here," Todd criticized in a statement to CNN, accusing the filmmakers of crafting a narrative from coincidences.
The Impact of the Revelation
While some viewers are intrigued by the documentary's claims, others, including Todd, have criticized its conclusions as irresponsible.
Todd voiced concerns for his safety, suggesting the film's assertions could endanger him. Meanwhile, Cullen Hoback, known for his work on controversial documentaries, anticipated the heated debates following the film's release.
The Enduring Mystery
Despite the resources spent in the film and all the theories laid out, Satoshi Nakamoto's identity remains a mystery. The creator of Bitcoin holds potential control over a staggering 1.1 million BTC, worth approximately $68 billion.
This enduring anonymity continues to captivate the global crypto community, with the true identity of Nakamoto still eluding discovery even after 15 years.