Ali Abbasi’s highly anticipated film “The Apprentice,” centered around the early life of Donald Trump, has been officially acquired by Briarcliff Entertainment. The movie is set for a pre-election theatrical release in the United States, with an official date of October 11th, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
“The Apprentice” generated significant buzz at the Cannes Film Festival, where international territories were swiftly secured. The film is expected to be released this Fall, strategically timed during the heated presidential campaign season in late September and October.
The screenplay, crafted by Gabriel Sherman, features Sebastian Stan portraying Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong taking on the role of his mentor, the controversial lawyer Roy Cohn. The film delves into the formative years of Trump, offering a nuanced look at his rise to prominence. Maria Bakalova joins the cast, playing Trump’s ex-wife, Ivana Trump.
A notable complication arose due to the involvement of partial financier Daniel Snyder, a known Trump supporter and former owner of the Washington Commanders. Snyder had expressed his disapproval of the film. However, his financial stake was bought out by producer James Shani. Shani’s production company, Rich Spirit, will now collaborate on the theatrical release.
“The Apprentice” is slated to make appearances at various fall film festivals and is reportedly gearing up for an aggressive awards season campaign. Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, praising both the film’s storytelling and performances.
With its strategic release timing and strong festival presence, “The Apprentice” aims to capture both critical acclaim and audience attention as it navigates the complex narrative of one of America’s most polarizing figures.