The Movie Trump Hates to Love: 'Apprentice' and the 45th President

A movie about Donald Trump's early years with power broker Roy Cohn is about to hit U. S. theaters. Titled "The Apprentice," the film had a rocky start with Trump's legal team sending a cease and desist letter after its Cannes premiere. Surprisingly, as the release date nears, the former president hasn't made big waves about it. The film's director, Ali Abbasi, isn't worried about legal threats, stating the movie is accurate and well-researched. The film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn. It explores how Cohn shaped Trump into the man he is today. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who attended the film's New York premiere, thinks Trump's response depends on the reviews. "Bad press can be good press," Cohen noted, echoing Trump's past statements. Producer Daniel Bekerman hopes the film offers a nuanced view of Trump's early career, encouraging viewers to see it with an open mind. Director Abbasi emphasizes the entertainment value, saying, "It's a ride, it's quite entertaining. " The film's release, just before the 2024 election, sparked questions about its political influence. But Abbasi insists it's more about the storytelling and less about swaying votes.