Peter Todd Revealed as Satoshi Nakamoto in HBO Documentary—But There’s a Twist

• A leaked video from HBO’s documentary suggests that Bitcoin Core developer Peter Todd may be revealed as the BTC creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
• The crypto community remains skeptical, with commentators like BitMEX Research arguing that the documentary will lack compelling evidence.

A leaked video from HBO’s documentary, ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’, has sparked widespread speculation regarding the true identity of Bitcoin’s developer, Satoshi Nakamoto. The video, which was briefly shared on X by Aggr News, suggested that HBO would reveal Bitcoin Core developer Peter Todd as Satoshi, as reported by CNF. However, the crypto community remained skeptical of this revelation.

Bitcoin’s Satoshi Nakamoto Mystery Solved?

Aggr News shared the footage with the caption, “Leaked video from HBO documentary suggests that HBO believes Peter Todd is Satoshi.” Although the video was quickly taken down due to copyright issues, the initial post attracted significant attention.

The rumor came true when Peter Todd, a well-known figure in the Bitcoin community, was named Satoshi Nakamoto. He is the founder of OpenTimestamps, an independent cryptography consultant.

Furthermore, he has contributed extensively to the Bitcoin Core software. Todd has built a reputation for being outspoken on various critical issues related to Bitcoin’s development and future. These achievements make him a prime contender for Satoshi Nakamoto. 

On the other hand, BitMEX Research responded to the post with skepticism. Quoting Aggr News, BitMEX Research commented, “Apparently HBO will say Peter Todd is Satoshi. And HBO would be wrong.”

Moreover, in a previous post, BitMEX Research detailed its expectations for the documentary’s claims. They stated, “HBO will shortly claim someone as Satoshi. HBO’s prediction will be better than just finding someone in the phone book called Satoshi (Leah McGrath Goodman) & it won’t be an obvious fraudster (CSW).”

They added, “HBO will pick someone who said smart stuff about electronic cash years ago, statements when considered without context could support a claim to be Satoshi, but with context, just puts them in a group with many other people. HBO will not have any new compelling evidence. HBO will be wrong.” These comments suggest that while the revelation wouldn’t be completely absurd, it wouldn’t certainly be right.

About The Upcoming Bitcoin Creator Documentary

The leaked video has stirred a frenzy of debate among crypto enthusiasts, with some dismissing the possibility that Todd could be Satoshi Nakamoto. Earlier, the majority of community members on Polymarket believed that Len Sassaman was Satoshi, as reported by CNF. However, the sentiment faded quickly.

Others remained curious about the documentary’s approach to the mystery of Bitcoin’s elusive creator. The claim has intensified the ongoing speculation surrounding Nakamoto’s identity, a debate that has persisted since Bitcoin’s release in 2009.

The documentary, directed by Cullen Hoback, is a “globe-spanning investigation” into the origins of Bitcoin and its creator. According to the promotional materials, ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’ is a thrilling investigation, with Hoback “immersing himself with key players, uncovering never-before-seen clues, and humorously unraveling Bitcoin’s meteoric rise.”

Produced by HBO Documentary Films in collaboration with Hyrax Films, HyperObject Industries, and Hello Pictures, the documentary promises an in-depth exploration of the origins of BTC. This documentary premiered on October 8 at 9 p.m. ET.

It received negative reviews from prominent celebrities. Ki Yong Ju, founder of CryptoQuant, labeled the film as “disgusting.” He added, “It’s like making a flat-earth documentary without review from scientists and promoting it as ‘unveiling Earth’s secrets.’”

The HBO documentary is disgusting.

It’s baffling they reached this conclusion when all the #Bitcoin experts disagree.

It’s like making a flat-earth documentary without review from scientists and promoting it as ‘unveiling Earth’s secrets.'

— Ki Young Ju (@ki_young_ju) October 9, 2024