Cannes, France – President Donald Trump’s legal team is pushing back against the distribution of a new film about his rise to power in the 1980s called “The Apprentice.” The filmmakers have been served a cease and desist letter in an attempt to halt a potential U.S. sale of the movie at the Cannes Film Festival.
Despite the legal threats, the creators of “The Apprentice” remain determined to bring their portrayal of the former president to audiences in the United States. A representative for the film’s producers emphasized that the movie offers a fair and balanced perspective on Trump, inviting viewers to make their own judgments after viewing it.
Director Ali Abbasi’s film garnered attention at Cannes with a world premiere that culminated in an eight-minute standing ovation. Trump’s team had previously hinted at legal action against the project, but Abbasi appears unfazed by the possibility, highlighting the former president’s litigious reputation.
“The Apprentice” delves into Trump’s ascent to power, showcasing his relationship with Roy Cohn, a conservative lawyer known for his controversial and combative tactics. Through the portrayal of key figures like Sebastian Stan as a young Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, the film provides a multifaceted view of the influential businessman turned politician.
While the movie offers a humanizing look at Trump, it does not shy away from depicting his more unsavory moments, including scenes of betrayal, cosmetic procedures, and even alleged instances of sexual assault. Investor Dan Snyder, who is displeased with his portrayal in the film, has expressed discontent and is considering his own legal actions to prevent its distribution in the U.S.
As the controversy surrounding “The Apprentice” unfolds, the dispute between Trump’s team and the filmmakers raises questions about artistic freedom, political representation, and the complexities of depicting real-life figures on screen. The battle over the movie’s future distribution serves as a reminder of the tensions between storytelling, interpretation, and the realities of powerful public figures.