Los Angeles, Aug 31 (VOICE) – ‘The Apprentice,’ a highly controversial biographical drama that delves into the early life of former US president and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, is set to debut in US and Canadian theaters this October. The film’s release strategically comes just weeks before the presidential election in November, as per media sources.

This provocative film has been picked up by Briarcliff Entertainment, an indie distributor headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with a scheduled release date of October 11. The company aims to leverage the timing for both pre-election impact and awards season consideration, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Directed by Ali Abbasi and penned by Gabriel Sherman, a veteran Trump chronicler from Vanity Fair, ‘The Apprentice’ features Emmy nominee Sebastian Stan in the role of a young Donald Trump. The narrative focuses on Trump’s journey as a real estate mogul in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, shedding light on the formative years that shaped his future career.

The film made its initial splash at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it was part of the competition lineup. Its premiere immediately ignited controversy, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The Trump campaign’s communications director, Steven Cheung, vehemently criticized the film, labeling it “garbage” and “pure fiction,” and announced intentions to pursue legal action against the filmmakers to obstruct its release.

Following its contentious debut at Cannes, ‘The Apprentice’ secured distribution deals across Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia. However, in the US, the film faced significant hurdles. Many studios, streaming services, and indie distributors were reluctant to distribute it due to potential backlash from Trump supporters and the former president himself.

After extensive negotiations spanning several months, Briarcliff Entertainment ultimately acquired the film’s domestic distribution rights. This bold move positions them to navigate the charged political landscape and bring ‘The Apprentice’ to a US audience eager for insight into Donald Trump’s early years.