Set in the early years of Trump's business career, the film centres on the relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn, a New York City prosecutor known for his collaboration with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Second Red Scare.
Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice, a biopic focusing on the early career and rise of Donald J. Trump, is set to be released in UAE cinemas on October 16. Front Row Filmed Entertainment, in collaboration with Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) and Front Row Arabia, has acquired all MENA rights for the film.
Produced by Briarcliff Entertainment, the biographical drama will be released in US theatres on October 11, 2024. The film stars Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump and takes audiences through Trump’s formative years in New York’s real estate scene during the 1970s and 1980s. It explores Trump’s complex relationship with his lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, while delving into themes of ambition, power, corruption and deceit that contributed to his controversial legacy.
Maria Bakalova, known for her roles in Borat 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, portrays Ivanka Trump, further enriching the narrative of an evolving American dynasty.
The screenplay is penned by journalist Gabriel Sherman, who has profiled Trump in various magazines over the years. The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and has garnered mixed reviews.
Ali Abbasi, recognised for his distinctive storytelling style, brings this origin story to life with a character-driven plot that intertwines historical facts with dramatic tension. The film aims to examine Trump’s rise to power, shedding light on the high-stakes world of New York real estate and the pivotal relationships that shaped his legacy.
