A controversial movie titled ‘The Apprentice,’ depicting a young Donald Trump, caused a stir at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim and a lengthy standing ovation. However, despite the buzz surrounding the film and its talented cast, including actors Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, it is yet to secure a U.S. distributor.
While there are potential buyers showing interest, major studios and indie distributors seem hesitant to acquire the rights to the film. This reluctance has led to speculation that Hollywood may be too scared to release the movie due to fears of backlash from Trump himself.
Sources close to the dealmaking process have indicated that while offers are coming in, major studios such as Disney-owned Searchlight, Sony Pictures Classics, and Focus, a subsidiary of Universal, have not made bids. Even renowned indie distributor Neon, known for releasing acclaimed films like ‘Border,’ has yet to make an offer.
The team behind ‘The Apprentice’ has expressed concerns that the lack of a distribution deal could be seen as a form of censorship. They believe that potential distributors are wary of angering Trump, especially considering his current popularity in polls against President Biden. The fear is that releasing the movie could lead to repercussions from Trump, who might use his influence to hinder business deals and create legal obstacles for the distributors.
Furthermore, many indie film distributors are owned by major studios, which adds another layer of caution when considering a project that could potentially draw attention and accolades but also unwanted political attention. The risk of facing legal and political challenges seems to outweigh the benefits of acquiring the film.
As discussions continue and offers are being weighed, the fate of ‘The Apprentice’ remains uncertain in the U.S. market. The movie’s portrayal of Trump and the controversy surrounding its distribution highlight the complexities and challenges faced by filmmakers and distributors in navigating the intersection of art, politics, and business in the entertainment industry.
