An explosive biopic depicting Donald Trump’s early years will premiere in US theatres this October, just before the presidential election.
The controversial film, which stirred significant attention at the Cannes Film Festival in May, includes scenes portraying Trump committing rape, an allegation initially made during his divorce proceedings but later withdrawn by his first wife, Ivana, who passed away in 2022.
Briarcliff Entertainment, a small independent studio, announced the release of ‘The Apprentice’ as the nation anticipates a close presidential race between Trump and Kamala Harris. However, representatives for Briarcliff did not immediately return requests for comment.
The film, which also delves into Trump’s struggles with erectile dysfunction and cosmetic surgeries, faced immediate legal threats from Trump’s attorneys, branding it as defamatory.
The film’s financing faced hurdles when Dan Snyder, a pro-Trump billionaire and initial backer, attempted to halt its release due to its unflattering portrayal of Trump. He has since sold his financial interest in the project.
Scheduled for release on October 11, the film features Sebastian Stan as a young Trump. The screenplay, crafted by Gabriel Sherman, depicts Trump as an ambitious yet naive figure trying to make his mark in Manhattan’s competitive real estate and political arenas.
Despite its controversial content, the film aims to present a nuanced view of Trump, influenced heavily by his mentor, Roy Cohn. According to director Ali Abbasi, this portrayal challenges viewers to perceive Trump’s complexities.
While the film has sparked debate, it is poised for significant attention during the upcoming awards season in Hollywood, orchestrated by Briarcliff’s founder Tom Ortenberg, known for his work on ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Crash.’ This release coincides with the premiere of ‘Reagan,’ another biopic focusing on a former Republican president.”
