Controversial Trump Biopic The Apprentice Releases October 11

Ali Abbasi's controversial biopic 'The Apprentice,' depicting the early career of Donald Trump, is set to hit theaters on October 11, 2024, just before the presidential election. The film, featuring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as his lawyer Roy Cohn, has faced significant pushback from Trump's camp, which attempted to block its release, calling it 'pure fiction' and 'election interference by Hollywood elites.' Despite these challenges, the film received a warm reception at its Cannes premiere, including an eight-minute standing ovation. The controversy surrounding the film's portrayal of Trump, particularly a scene involving his first wife, Ivana, has provoked further discussion and scrutiny. Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired the film, paving the way for an awards campaign as well as screenings at various fall film festivals. Critics have noted that the film could spark interest due to its contentious nature, though the overall public appetite for more Trump-related content remains uncertain.