The Apprentice is an upcoming biographical drama film directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman. Starring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, the film examines Trump's career as a real estate businessman in New York in the 1970s and 80s. The film also stars Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova and Martin Donovan.
The film will have its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.
Plot
Set during the early years of Trump's business career, the film is reported to mainly focus on the relationship of Trump and Roy Cohn, a New York City prosecutor notable for working with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Second Red Scare. It is described as "a mentor-protégé narrative that documents the start of an American dynasty and tackles themes including power, corruption and deception."[2]
Cast
- Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump
- Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn
- Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump
- Martin Donovan as Fred Trump
- Emily Mitchell as Ivanka Trump[3]
Production
The film was first announced in May 2018, with Sherman slated to write the screenplay.[4] In October 2023, Abbasi was confirmed to be joining the film as director and, as initially reported, co-writer.[5] However, it was later confirmed that Gabriel Sherman would be the film's sole writer. The film began principal photography in November 2023, where Stan, Strong, and Bakalova were announced as the lead roles.[2][6] Filming wrapped on January 28, 2024.[7] In February 2024, Martin Donovan joined the cast portraying Fred Trump.[8]
Release
The film was submitted at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to be held from May 14 to 25, 2024.[9] It was announced to be included in competition for the Palme d'Or in April 2024, alongside 18 other films.[10]
References
- ^ Katz, David (December 13, 2023). "Ali Abbasi plots The Apprentice with Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump". Cineuropa. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ a b "Sebastian Stan to Portray Young Donald Trump in Ensemble Film 'The Apprentice'". The Hollywood Reporter. November 29, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "'Avengers' Star Playing Donald Trump In 'Apprentice' Movie To Compete At Cannes". Forbes. April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "Gabriel Sherman to Write 'The Apprentice' Movie About Young Donald Trump". Variety. May 2, 2018. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "Ali Abbasi to Direct and Co-Write 'The Apprentice' under Fabula Pictures". Nilsen Report. October 30, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (November 29, 2023). "'The Apprentice': Jeremy Strong And Maria Bakalova Join Sebastian Stan In Donald Trump Pic". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "Production List East = North Hollywood Buzz". North Hollywood Buzz. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 9, 2024). "Martin Donovan Joins 'The Apprentice' Movie As Fred Trump Sr". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (March 4, 2024). "Cannes 2024: Jacques Audiard's Zoe Saldana-Selena Gomez Movie, Andrea Arnold's Barry Keoghan Film, Cronenberg and More in the Mix". Variety. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ "Cannes Film Festival Competition Includes Coppola, Audiard, Cronenberg, Arnold, Lanthimos, Sorrentino & Abbasi's Trump Movie — Full List". Deadline Hollywood. April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
