Actor-Turned-Investigator Ben McKenzie Pulls Back the Curtain on Cryptocurrency
Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in 'The OC' and 'Gotham', has sold his directorial debut documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' to The Forge, which has acquired North American distribution and international sales rights. The film is based on the best-selling book 'Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud', co-authored by McKenzie and Jacob Silverman.
A Deep Dive into Crypto's Culture of Hype and Fraud
In this documentary, McKenzie transforms into an investigator, exposing the cryptocurrency industry's culture of hype, misinformation, and speculation that fueled its rapid rise. According to the official description, what started as a promise of financial freedom has evolved into a volatile ecosystem rife with fraud and reckless gambling, leading to devastating consequences for everyday people.
The film utilizes firsthand reporting and expert interviews to trace how crypto became one of the most aggressively marketed financial products of the modern era. It highlights how warning signs were ignored, dismissed, or deliberately obscured, painting a critical picture of the industry's practices.
Theatrical Release and Production Details
'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' had its world premiere at SXSW London 2025 and is scheduled for release in theaters on April 17. The documentary was produced by McKenzie and Giogio Angelini, with the deal negotiated by representatives from both the filmmakers and The Forge.
Industry Reactions and Statements
McKenzie commented on the challenge of attracting audiences, humorously noting, "I console myself with the fact that if we can somehow manage not to lose $50 million, 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' will be more profitable than 'Melania'"—a reference to Amazon's acquisition of a documentary on Melania Trump.
Mark Mathias Sayre, CEO of The Forge, praised the film, stating, "In a moment when financial systems, digital markets, and public trust are all under scrutiny, Ben has delivered a film that feels both urgent and darkly funny. It doesn't just revisit the crypto boom; it interrogates the culture that allowed it to thrive."
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