Briarcliff Entertainment, a notable distribution company established by Tom Ortenberg, known for his production work on the acclaimed biographical crime drama “Spotlight,” is reportedly gearing up for an awards campaign surrounding their latest film, “The Apprentice.” This controversial movie stars Sebastian Stan, widely recognized for his roles in Marvel films, portraying a young Donald Trump. The storyline delves into Trump’s ascent as a real estate mogul in New York City, guided by the infamous lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn, brought to life by Jeremy Strong of “Succession” fame.

The film’s screenplay is penned by Vanity Fair journalist Gabriel Sherman, while Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi directs the project. Following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, Abbasi expressed his dismay on X regarding the apparent reluctance of major U.S. studios and distributors to support the film. He lamented, “For some reason certain power people in your country don’t want you to see it!!!”

Despite this, “The Apprentice” had already secured distribution deals in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia before Briarcliff Entertainment came on board. The film is notable for its graphic and provocative scenes depicting themes such as rape, erectile dysfunction, baldness, and betrayal.

In response to the film’s impending release, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, issued a statement to the Associated Press on August 30. Cheung denounced the film as “election interference by Hollywood elites right before November.” He further criticized it as “pure malicious defamation,” arguing that it should never be released and doesn’t even deserve to be placed in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, asserting it belongs in a dumpster fire.

Additionally, in May, Trump’s legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to the filmmakers, labeling the project as “direct foreign interference in America’s elections.” Lawyer David Warrington wrote in the letter obtained by Business Insider, “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.”

Interestingly, one of the financial backers of the film was billionaire Dan Snyder, a fervent Trump supporter. Initially believing that the biopic would cast Trump in a favorable light, Snyder was reportedly furious upon viewing an early cut of the film in February, feeling betrayed by its depiction of the former president.