Controversial Trump biopic to release before US election, sparks backlash.

“The Apprentice,” a film depicting Donald Trump’s early career, is scheduled for release just weeks before the US presidential election.

The movie has generated significant buzz since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. It is set to be distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and will open in US theaters on October 11, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Briarcliff Entertainment, founded by Tom Ortenberg—known for his role in producing the acclaimed film “Spotlight”—is also reportedly planning an awards campaign for “The Apprentice,” which features Sebastian Stan portraying a young Trump in the vibrant real estate scene of New York during the 1970s and 80s.

Stan, recognized for his roles in Marvel films, portrays Trump during his formative years as a real-estate mogul, heavily influenced by the powerful lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, known for his performance in the HBO series “Succession.”

The screenplay was penned by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist for Vanity Fair, and the film was directed by Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi. Following its Cannes debut, Abbasi expressed his frustration on X, stating that major US studios and distributors appeared to shun the project, emphasizing a belief that influential figures in the industry did not want it to reach audiences.

“The Apprentice” had already secured distribution deals in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia when Briarcliff Entertainment stepped in to distribute it in the US, as noted by The Los Angeles Times.

The film is reported to include depictions of controversial topics, such as betrayal, erectile dysfunction, and other personal struggles, which have sparked discussion about its content and implications.

In August, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, condemned the film’s timing and content, labeling its release as “election interference” orchestrated by Hollywood elites ahead of the upcoming election.

“This ‘film’ is pure malicious defamation and should never see the light of day,” Cheung stated. He expressed that it did not even deserve a place in discount movie sections and belonged, instead, “in a dumpster fire.”

In an earlier move to block the film, Trump’s legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter in May, categorizing the movie as “direct foreign interference in America’s elections.” Lawyer David Warrington warned the filmmakers to stop all marketing and distribution of what he termed “this libelous farce,” threatening legal action if the requests were ignored.

Interestingly, Dan Snyder, a billionaire and supporter of Trump, was among the film’s financiers and initially believed the biopic would cast Trump in a positive light. However, according to sources speaking to Variety, Snyder was furious upon viewing the film for the first time in February, claiming the portrayal of Trump was not what he had expected.

As the release date approaches, the film continues to be a topic of contention, exploring narratives around a figure who remains polarizing to many. The anticipation surrounding “The Apprentice” will likely rise in conjunction with the political climate, as Trump prepares to seek the presidency once again.