Donald Trump Biopic Releases 1st Image: Here's What We Know So Far

It might seem possible to create a politically neutral biopic of Donald Trump. However, the forthcoming film "The Apprentice," which explores Trump's formative years in the '70s and '80s, is unlikely to offer that kind of impartial portrayal of the 45th President.

Donald Trump's life story, from New York socialite to WWE Hall of Famer and finally, to the President of the United States, makes for an intriguing, if complex, narrative fit for a dramatic retelling akin to the movie "Cabrini."

However, the nature of "The Apprentice" may not sit well with all Trump supporters, based on how the film has been presented and marketed.

The first publicly released image from the film features Marvel actor Sebastian Stan, widely recognized for his role as The Winter Soldier in the MCU, portraying Donald Trump, alongside Jeremy Strong who plays former New York prosecutor Roy Cohn.

The title of the film not only references Trump’s popular reality TV show but also hints at the influential mentorship role that Cohn reportedly played early in Trump's career.

Critics might argue the film begins to show bias here.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s synopsis reads: “The Apprentice is a dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.”

The use of words like “Faustian” certainly doesn't suggest a neutral perspective.

The Hollywood Reporter further describes the film as a mentor-protégé story that sets the groundwork for an American dynasty, addressing themes of power, corruption, and deceit. It explores the dynamic between Trump and Cohn, the latter known for his association with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Second Red Scare.

Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, "The Apprentice" shares thematic similarities with the 1997 horror-thriller "The Devil’s Advocate." In that film, a young attorney, played by Keanu Reeves, forsakes personal and ethical boundaries for success, guided by the devil himself, portrayed by Al Pacino.

While "The Apprentice" doesn’t venture into supernatural realms, the parallels in thematic elements such as moral compromise and the lure of success are evident. Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump shows a clear internal conflict, suggesting a narrative where Trump’s ethical dilemmas are highlighted and ultimately lost.

"The Apprentice" is expected to premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France and will be released in theaters later this year, though a specific release date has yet to be announced.