Controversial film The Apprentice dramatizes the rise of Trump

A forthcoming film titled "The Apprentice" is set to portray Donald Trump's ascent in New York City's real estate sector and his entwinement with political power broker Roy Cohn. The film will be released in October, coinciding with the final stretch of the presidential election, as per an inside source knowledgeable about the deal.

Distribution and Timing

Briarcliff Entertainment, an independent distributor, aims to launch the movie on October 11, as reported by the source. In the film, Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Trump, while Jeremy Strong, known for his work in "Succession," portrays Cohn, one of Trump's prominent mentors.

Michael Moore's 2018 documentary "Fahrenheit 11/9" can be likened to "The Apprentice" due to their exploration of political themes.

Film's Premiere at Cannes

The film had its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May, where it quickly became a focal point of sociopolitical discussion. After the premiere, Trump's campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, criticized the film as "pure malicious defamation," and announced plans to file a lawsuit in response to what they labeled "blatantly false assertions."

The film has drawn controversy, partially due to the inclusion of a dramatized scene depicting an alleged incident in which Trump sexually assaulted his first wife, Ivana, portrayed by Maria Bakalova.

Directorial and Writing Credits

Directed by Iranian Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi and written by Vanity Fair journalist Gabriel Sherman, the film offers a narrative that has captivated audiences and ignited debates.

Following the Trump campaign's statement, Abbasi invited Trump to view the film, suggesting that he might be surprised by its content. The director expressed his willingness to engage in a conversation to discuss the context of the film.

The distributor, Briarcliff Entertainment, has previous experience in releasing controversial projects, including "The Dissident," a documentary about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as "Fahrenheit 11/9," the aforementioned documentary by Michael Moore.