The release of the new biopic, “The Apprentice,” which depicts Donald Trump’s early years in New York real estate, has sparked a significant reaction from the former U.S. President. Starring Sebastian Stan as young Trump and Jeremy Strong as lawyer Roy Cohn, the movie has faced criticism for its portrayal of Trump during the 1970s and 1980s. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film has not been well-received by Trump, who took to Truth Social to express his disdain.
- Trump’s Strong Reaction: Donald Trump condemned The Apprentice biopic, calling it a “fake, defamatory, and politically disgusting” attack, especially given its release timing before the 2024 election.
- Box Office Struggles: The film debuted poorly in the U.S., opening in 10th place with $1.6 million in sales, which might please Trump, who predicted the film would flop.
- Legal Tensions: Trump hinted at potential legal issues regarding the use of the title The Apprentice, referencing his own history with the term from his TV show.
- Director’s Response: Ali Abbasi, the film’s director, has remained open to engaging with Trump while focusing on promoting the film, which is preparing for its UK release.
In his vehement response, Trump labeled the film as “a fake and classless movie,” accusing it of being a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.” Released just before the 2024 presidential election, Trump alleged that the movie aimed to harm his political movement, “Make America Great Again.” He also questioned the film’s right to use the name “The Apprentice,” hinting at potential legal issues regarding the title.
Reports from sources like Entertainment Weekly and Variety indicate that the film has not performed well at the U.S. box office, debuting in 10th place with only $1.6 million in ticket sales. This outcome might bring some satisfaction to Trump, who had hoped for the movie to “bomb.” The film’s director, Abbasi, responded on social media, expressing a willingness to engage further with Trump despite the ongoing press commitments for the film’s promotion.
Despite the lackluster box office results, “The Apprentice” has managed to generate conversation and controversy, drawing attention from audiences and critics alike. As the movie prepares for its UK release in October 2024, it remains to be seen how it will be received internationally. Trump’s strong reaction underscores the ongoing tension between his public persona and media portrayals, particularly as he gears up for the 2024 presidential race.