The first footage of The Apprentice, the controversial biopic about former US President Donald Trump, was released on Tuesday, showcasing a glimpse of the film directed by Ali Abbasi. The teaser, released by Briarcliff Entertainment, features Sebastian Stan portraying a young Trump, alongside his mentor, the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Succession star Jeremy Strong. The film explores Trump’s early rise to power through his association with Cohn, a pivotal figure in his ascent.
Sneak Peek Into The Apprentice
In the one-minute teaser, a young Trump is seen being driven around New York City, sitting beside Roy Cohn, who played a significant role in shaping his early business strategies. The scene features Cohn making a bold statement to Trump, saying, “About a 100 reporters were crawling up to get this interview, and I gave you the exclusive.” This is followed by Trump receiving a call, where he discusses his ambitious plans to acquire the Commodore Hotel in New York. In the conversation, Trump expresses his vision to build “the best and the finest building in the city—maybe the country,” adding “in the world,” under Cohn’s direction.
Release and Reception
The Apprentice is set to hit theaters on October 11, 2024. The film has already garnered attention, receiving standing ovations at both the Cannes and Telluride film festivals. The official synopsis describes the movie as charting “a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.” This controversial portrayal of Trump’s early career has sparked considerable interest and debate, particularly due to its subject matter and the involvement of Cohn, who was disbarred before his death at the age of 59.
Cast and Characters
The film boasts a diverse cast, including Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, Martin Donovan as Fred Trump, Ben Sullivan as Russell Eldridge, Charlie Carrick as Fred Trump Jr., Mark Rendall as Daniel Sullivan, and Joe Pingue as Anthony Salerno. The inclusion of these actors adds depth to the portrayal of Trump’s early life and the influential figures surrounding him.
Sebastian Stan, widely recognized for his roles in Marvel movies, takes on the challenging role of Trump, offering a portrayal that captures the complex and ambitious nature of the young businessman. Jeremy Strong, known for his role in Succession, brings to life the character of Cohn, who is depicted as a mentor and advisor, guiding Trump through his early business ventures.
Controversy and Public Reaction
The release of the teaser has sparked discussions across social media, with many expressing curiosity about the portrayal of Trump and Cohn’s relationship. The film’s depiction of Trump’s early dealings and his mentor-mentee relationship with Cohn is expected to generate significant conversation upon its release. Given the polarizing nature of its subject, The Apprentice is likely to be closely scrutinized by both supporters and critics of Trump.
With its premiere set for October, audiences are eager to see how The Apprentice will portray the formative years of one of the most controversial figures in recent political history. As anticipation builds, the release of this first footage has set the stage for a closer look at the narrative crafted by Ali Abbasi and his team.
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Source: Hindustan Times, Variety, Page Six