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The Apprentice 2024
Biographical dramaHistorical dramaIndependent
A 2024 biographical drama film, The Apprentice was directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman. It features Sebastian Stan portraying Donald Trump during his early years as a real estate entrepreneur in New York City, specifically in the 1970s and 1980s. The movie explores his connection with attorney Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong. Additional cast members include Martin Donovan as Trump's father Fred and Maria Bakalova as his first wife Ivana.
This international production involving Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the United States was initially announced in May 2018, though it remained in development until Abbasi, Stan, and Strong became involved in 2023. The film made its debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, where it received strong praise from critics, resulting in an eight-minute standing ovation and widespread media coverage. Despite this, securing distribution in America proved difficult due to the nature of its subject and a legal effort by Trump’s team to prevent its release. Eventually, Briarcliff Entertainment acquired the rights and released it theatrically on October 11, 2024. Box office performance was weak, earning $17 million globally against a $16 million budget.
Critics commended the film for its direction, acting, and editing. Trump himself dismissed it as a “defamatory, politically disgusting hatchet job,” aimed at damaging his 2024 presidential campaign. Stan and Strong received significant recognition for their roles, with each earning nominations in Lead Actor and Supporting Actor categories at the 97th Academy Awards.
Trailer
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Cast
- Sebastian StanDonald Trump
- Jeremy StrongRoy Cohn
- Martin DonovanFred Trump Sr.
- Maria BakalovaIvana Trump
- Catherine McNallyMary Anne Trump
- Charlie CarrickFred Trump Jr.
- Ben SullivanRussell Eldridge
- Mark RendallRoger Stone
- Joe PingueAnthony Salerno
- Stuart HughesMike Wallace
- Bruce BeatonAndy Warhol
- Ian D. ClarkEd Koch
- Jason BlickerGeorge Steinbrenner
- Tom BarnettRupert Murdoch
Crew
- Director
- Ali Abbasi
- Writer
- Gabriel Sherman
- Producer
- Ali Abbasi, Louis Tisné, Ruth Treacy, Julianne Forde, Jacob Jarek, Daniel Bekerman
- Cinematography
- Kasper Tuxen
- Editing
- Olivier Bugge Coutté, Olivia Neergaard-Holm
- Music
- Martin Dirkov
Details
- Production
- Profile Pictures, Scythia Films, Tailored Films
- Distributor
- Briarcliff Entertainment, Mongrel Media (Canada), Nordisk Film (Finland), Rich Spirit, StudioCanal (France/United Kingdom)
- Budget
- $16 million
- Box office
- $17.3 million
