The movie “The Apprentice” will premiere in U.S. theaters on October 11, according to distributor Briarcliff Entertainment. The film tells the story of former President Donald Trump’s early business career. It stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as his mentor Roy Cohn.
“The Apprentice” generated a lot of buzz after its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May. However, the film’s release faced several challenges. Trump’s lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action. Daniel Snyder, a Trump supporter who helped finance the movie’s production company, also reportedly opposed releasing the film.
Trump’s campaign communications director Steven Cheung criticized “The Apprentice.” He said it presented “pure fiction” and an attempt to interfere in the upcoming election. Cheung called the movie undeserving of a “soon-to-be-closed discount movie store.”
Despite these obstacles, the film’s producers overcame hurdles to distribution in the U.S. Sources say other producers bought out the stake held by Kinematics, the American production company linked to Snyder.
Reviews from film critics have been positive. The BBC praised Stan’s “excellent, nuanced” portrayal of Trump. The Hollywood Reporter said Strong delivered an “icy, almost inhuman” performance as Cohn.
Some scenes in “The Apprentice” have drawn controversy. One depicts Trump assaulting his first wife Ivana, based on 1990 divorce allegations she later clarified. Trump has consistently denied these claims.
Director Ali Abbasi wants audiences to view the film as politically relevant. At Telluride, he said it was “not a political hit piece.” Still, the October release may influence voters just weeks before the election. Trump’s team argues this timing shows political motivations.
As the premiere approaches, it remains unclear if Trump will follow through on legal threats against the filmmakers. For now, no concrete action has been taken, according to sources. With international and U.S. showings planned, “The Apprentice” is sure to spark discussion of Trump’s past.
