Despite initial threats, the Trump team has remained relatively silent about the release of 'The Apprentice', a film depicting Trump's early career and his relationship with Roy Cohn.
- October 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - Shortly after Ali Abbasi's "The Apprentice" premiered at Cannes, Donald Trump's legal team issued a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers. However, as the film prepares for release in U.S. theaters, the Trump team has become noticeably quieter. While campaign spokesman Steven Cheung has criticized the film, Trump himself has not made any recent legal threats or notable public statements against it.
At the film's New York premiere, where stars like Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong and Michael Cohen attended, director Ali Abbasi expressed confidence that Trump would not sue, claiming the film is "accurate" and "journalistically and legally checked."
Cohen, a former Trump lawyer who attended the screening, believes Trump's public response will depend on the reviews. If they are negative, Cohen predicts Trump will respond to "fuel the conversation."
The film explores the relationship between Trump and Cohn, a notorious New York power broker who played a pivotal role in shaping Trump's political persona. Cohen confirmed the influence of Cohn during his time working for Trump, noting the strict loyalty required.
Despite its release just before the 2024 election, the filmmakers maintain that "The Apprentice" is not a political hit piece but rather a nuanced portrayal of Trump's formative years. Producer Daniel Bekerman expressed hope that the film would offer a fresh perspective, enabling viewers to "stop really looking at it" with preconceived notions.
Abbasi encouraged audiences to "see it with an open mind," highlighting the film's entertainment value and its relevance to the upcoming election. He emphasized that it provides insight into Trump's character and motivations, not dictating how people should vote.
