Ali Abbasi's Much-Anticipated Film

Ali Abbasi's much-anticipated film, “The Apprentice,” is set to hit theaters on October 11, and the excitement is palpable. This biopic of former President Donald Trump premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and was acquired for U.S. distribution by Briarcliff Entertainment just three months later.

Ali Abbasi's Thoughts on Trump's Reaction

In a recent interview with IndieWire, Abbasi expressed his eagerness for Trump to watch the film, admitting, “As anyone else who has done a movie about a subject or person, I would be super excited to see what he thinks of the movie either way.” However, he tempered his expectations by stating, “Do I think he’s gonna love it? Probably not. Do I think he’s gonna hate it? I don’t think so.” Abbasi believes that Trump may recognize their intention to portray him as a multi-dimensional human being, adding that he anticipates, “he probably has a lot of things that I got wrong he wants to bash me with.”

Controversy Surrounding the Film

The film, which features Sebastian Stan in the role of Trump, has already stirred controversy. Reports indicate that the Trump campaign has threatened legal action against distributors, particularly due to a graphic and disturbing scene involving Trump and his first wife, Ivana. Abbasi acknowledged that accepting such a contentious role was not a trivial matter for Stan. “Of course, he had to assess the ramifications,” Abbasi explained, highlighting the weight of responsibility on the actor's shoulders. “This is a big undertaking,” he added, emphasizing the importance of both character portrayal and the surrounding political context.

Timing of the Film's Release

Remarkably, the release timing of "The Apprentice" aligns with a critical moment in American politics, as the nation is just weeks away from a pivotal election. Abbasi noted that the film's journey dates back to 2018, stating, “At some point, it would end up before or after some election.” Acknowledging the eerie coincidence, he shared, “When we showed the movie in Cannes, I hoped we could come out before the elections. I didn’t know that because of all these circumstances, we could come so close to the election.”

Potential Impact of the Film

As election season heats up, Abbasi’s film could spark fiery conversations and debates, potentially influencing public perception of Trump’s legacy. With its provocative subject matter and timely release, “The Apprentice” promises to be a film that viewers won’t soon forget. What will Trump think? Will it ignite a firestorm of reaction? Stay tuned as October 11 approaches!