The highly anticipated biographical drama film ‘The Apprentice’ delves deeply into the life of former US President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. This film is scheduled for release in US and Canadian theatres in October, just a few weeks ahead of the pivotal presidential election in November.

Briarcliff Entertainment, an independent distributor based in Santa Monica, California, has acquired the domestic distribution rights for the film after extensive negotiations. The movie is set to premiere on October 11, strategically timed to coincide with the height of the presidential campaign season.

Directed by Ali Abbasi and penned by Gabriel Sherman, a seasoned journalist and longtime Trump chronicler for Vanity Fair, ‘The Apprentice’ features Emmy-nominated actor Sebastian Stan portraying Donald Trump. This casting choice has already sparked significant controversy and debate. The film made its initial debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May, where it immediately generated heated discussions. The storyline provides an in-depth exploration of Trump’s career as a real estate mogul in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, offering a portrayal that many find unflattering. The narrative depicts Trump as a ruthless social climber, showcasing instances such as his alleged neglect of his alcoholic brother, purported assault on his first wife Ivana, and cosmetic surgery for hair loss. Following its Cannes premiere, the film’s future in the US was uncertain, with many studios, streaming services, and indie distributors wary of potential backlash from Trump and his supporters. Despite these challenges, ‘The Apprentice’ secured distribution deals in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia.

The Trump campaign has vociferously criticized the film’s portrayal of the former president. Steven Cheung, the campaign’s communications director, condemned the film as garbage and pure fiction. He also vowed to take legal action against the filmmakers in an effort to prevent its release. In response to these threats, director Ali Abbasi defended his work during a news conference at Cannes, emphasizing the importance of political cinema. He dismissed Trump’s threats of litigation, pointing out that while Trump is notorious for suing many people, his success rate in these legal battles is not often highlighted.

In addition to Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump, the film also features Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Trump’s infamous attorney and mentor. The screenplay was crafted by Gabriel Sherman, whose previous work includes ‘The Loudest Voice in the Room,’ a book that inspired the Showtime series starring Russell Crowe as Roger Ailes.

The release of ‘The Apprentice’ promises to be a significant cultural event, influencing not only the world of cinema but also the political discourse in the United States. With its controversial depiction of a prominent political figure, the film is expected to ignite debates and discussions leading up to the presidential election. Whether it will sway public opinion or encounter legal obstacles remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the film’s release underscores the powerful role cinema can play in shaping political narratives and public perception.