The Apprenticegets a new trailer, teasing the controversial upcoming biopic about Donald Trump. Directed by Ali Abbasi,The Apprenticestars Sebastian Stanas Trump, charting the controversial figure’s rise in the real estate business in the 1970s and ’80s with the help of lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). The film, which also stars Maria Bakalova and Martin Donovan, struggled to find distribution for some time (due in part to Trump’s own attempts to block its release), but the North American distribution rights were just recently acquired by Briarcliff Entertainment.
Briarcliff Entertainmentnow releases the official trailer forThe Apprentice, teasing a unique 1970s and ’80s filming style.The trailer focuses heavily on how Stan’s depiction of Trump developed a win-at-any-cost mindset, specifically touching on how Cohn influenced the development of this persona. Bakalova’s Ivana Trump also features, speaking to how the film won’t just be focusing on his business affairs. Check out the trailer below:
What The Apprentice Trailer Reveals About The Movie
Sebastian Stan Transforms
Abbasi’s upcoming film has long remained shrouded in mystery, and most of the headlines regarding the film over the last few months haven’t actually been about the contents of the movie, but aboutThe Apprentice’s struggle to find distributiondue to its controversial subject. The trailer now provides a better idea of what’s to come, unveiling a grainy film stock look and non-traditional aspect ratio.
The Apprentice’s Release Problems Only Make Sebastian Stan’s Trump Movie More Intriguing
Just because Sebastian Stan’s Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice can’t find a US distributor doesn’t mean that millions of Americans won’t see it.
In terms of story, the trailer suggests thatThe Apprenticewill be attempting to explain how the real-life Trump became the notorious figure he is today, with Cohn drilling into him that he must not ever lose or show any weakness. “No matter what happens, you claim victory and never admit defeat,” Strong says in character, speaking to how Trump would later approach both business and politics.
Strong will be best known for many for his role as Kendall Roy as part of thecast of HBO’sSuccession.
The trailer also provides a look at Stan’s physical transformation, seemingly hinting how various Trump mannerisms and appearance quirks would form over time. This includes, of course, the hair, but also the orange-tanned look and distinct speaking cadence. In addition to teasing the positivereviews forThe Apprenticethat have emerged thus far, the trailer ends with Stan, as Trump, joking about running for president, suggesting thatthe film won’t be shying away from showing the seeds of Trump’s desire for political leadership.
Our Take On The Apprentice’s New Trailer
Why The Ali Abbasi Film Could Struggle
Trump is a divisive figure, andThe Apprenticeis sure to be a divisive film. Though the project mostly seems focused on Trump’s business and personal life and less on his politics, it does seem as if it won’t be an overly sympathetic portrait of the man.
While the reviews thus far suggest thatThe Apprenticeis a well-made film with some strong performances, the movie could find itself in a bind from a commercial perspective. Those who strongly support Trump could reject the film since Trump himself has tried to prevent its release. Those who don’t support him, on the other hand, may not be interested in watching a movie about his life since he dominates so much of the news cycle already.
The Apprentice
Cast
The Apprentice depicts a young Donald Trump in 1970s New York, highlighting his formative relationship with Roy Cohn, a ruthless attorney. As Trump seeks to establish his own legacy, Cohn identifies him as an ideal protégé, drawn to his ambition and determination to succeed at any cost.
