A new film titled “The Apprentice,” centered on former President Donald Trump, is slated for release in the United States just before the upcoming Election Day. The film is scheduled to debut on October 11th in both the U.S. and Canada, distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment.
Director Ali Abbasi shared his excitement about the film’s release on social media, posting on platform X on Friday, “Soooo excited to show the movie to its home audience!!! America here we come.”
However, the Trump campaign has strongly criticized the film. Steven Cheung, communications director for Trump’s campaign, dismissed the movie as “pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked.” In a statement to The Hill on Friday, he further condemned the film, saying, “This ‘film’ is pure malicious defamation, should never see the light of day, and doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire.”
The controversy surrounding “The Apprentice” isn’t new. In May, Trump’s legal team took action against the filmmakers. A cease-and-desist letter was sent to the creators of “The Apprentice,” which features Sebastian Stan, known for his role in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” portraying a young Trump. Jeremy Strong from “Succession” plays Roy Cohn, Trump’s infamous lawyer. Trump’s legal team sought to halt the film’s release and warned of potential legal action.
The letter from Trump’s attorney, David Warrington, to Ali Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman, accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting the film as a factual account of Trump’s life. “The Movie presents itself as a factual biography of Mr. Trump, yet nothing could be further from the truth,” the letter stated. Warrington further claimed that the film is “a concoction of lies that repeatedly defames President Trump and constitutes direct foreign interference in America’s elections.” The letter warned, “If you do not immediately cease and desist all distribution and marketing of this libelous farce, we will be forced to pursue all appropriate legal remedies.”
Despite the pushback from Trump’s team, the film’s producers have defended their work. In a statement previously provided to Variety, the producers described “The Apprentice” as “a fair and balanced portrait of the former president.” They emphasized their desire for the public to watch the film and form their own opinions, saying, “We want everyone to see it and then decide.”
The Hill has reached out to Briarcliff Entertainment for further comment on the release and the ongoing controversy surrounding the film. As of now, the movie is set to hit theaters as planned, adding yet another layer of drama to the already heated political climate leading up to Election Day.
While “The Apprentice” aims to provide a cinematic depiction of Trump’s rise, it has undoubtedly sparked significant debate and backlash, particularly from those who believe it portrays the former president unfairly. The film’s release is expected to fuel further discussion and division, particularly in the politically polarized atmosphere of the current U.S. election season.
Critics and supporters alike are awaiting the film’s release to see how it handles the complex and often contentious subject of Trump’s early career and legal battles, as depicted by notable actors in a high-profile Hollywood production.
The debate over “The Apprentice” reflects broader tensions in the U.S. over media representations of political figures and the potential impact of such portrayals on public opinion and election outcomes.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on both the film and the public’s reaction, with many questioning whether “The Apprentice” will influence voters or merely add to the cacophony of voices in an already charged political environment. The film’s impact remains to be seen, but it has already achieved one thing: it has captured the attention of the nation, stirring emotions on both sides of the political spectrum.
Briarcliff Entertainment’s decision to release “The Apprentice” so close to Election Day is seen by some as a strategic move, while others view it as an attempt to sway opinions at a critical time. Regardless of its intention, the film has undoubtedly become a focal point in the ongoing debate about media influence, political bias, and the role of entertainment in shaping public discourse.
“The Apprentice” is more than just a film; it has become a symbol of the broader cultural and political battles being fought in America today. With its impending release, it promises to be a talking point across the country, as people from all walks of life prepare to watch, critique, and discuss this contentious portrayal of one of the most polarizing figures in recent American history.
