Trump biopic makers raising funds to keep controversial film in theatres for ‘as along as possible’

Filmmakers behind The Apprentice, a biographical drama featuring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump, have turned to crowdfunding to support its theatrical release.

With the film’s release date set for October 11, the creators have launched a Kickstarter campaign titled Release the Apprentice. Crowdfunding is not a typical route for high-profile film releases, however, the creators of The Apprentice believe that their movie is facing unique challenges, according to a press release shared by Variety.

The campaign seeks to “keep the film in as many theatres for as long as possible,” implying that traditional distribution channels might not be sufficient.

Earlier, indie studio Briarcliff Entertainment said it planned to release The Apprentice for US audiences less than a month before Trump takes on Kamala Harris in the country’s presidential election.

The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi and set in the 1970s, delves into the early years of Trump’s business career. It explores his complex relationship with the notorious New York City prosecutor Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong.

The film has been surrounded by controversy since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, primarily due to a provocative scene depicting Trump raping his then-wife Ivana, played by Maria Bakalova. This particular scene has drawn both backlash and significant media attention, making the film one of the more talked-about titles at the festival. In May, the Trump campaign also tried to block the film’s release.

The Kickstarter campaign offers various tiered rewards for donors. A $25 pledge allows backers to stream the film after its theatrical release, while a $100 donation secures the donor’s name in a special section of the film’s end credits.

For those willing to contribute more significantly, higher-level pledges promise unique memorabilia, including one of three actual toupees worn by Stan during filming, as well as VIP tickets to attend the movie’s premiere in New York City.

The movie, described by executive producer Amy Baer as “first and foremost humanist,” strives to present a narrative different from the typical politically charged portrayals of Trump. She insists that the film’s focus is on the human story behind the controversial figure rather than political noise.