In a surprising twist, Ali Abassi's much-anticipated film “The Apprentice,” starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong, managed to generate only $150,000 on its Thursday night opening. For a film opening on 1,750 screens, this is a shockingly low number. Given the intense publicity and the urgency behind its release ahead of the 2024 election, this performance is quite puzzling. What went wrong?
Let's start with the basic premise: “The Apprentice” was always going to be controversial. The biopic takes a deep dive into the early life and rise of Donald Trump. In a polarized America, the target audience seems difficult to pinpoint. On one side, Trump supporters are boycotting the film due to its perceived negative portrayal. On the other hand, his critics aren't exactly eager to shell out money for a film centered on the former president.
The production itself faced hurdles, including a hefty $7 million buyout of Dan Snyder's stake in the film, which was holding up its release. Briarcliffe Entertainment and the producers made it their mission to get the movie out before the election, yet the urgency hasn't translated into ticket sales. With theaters running empty and opening night numbers this low, it's clear that “The Apprentice” is facing an uphill battle.
Critics have also noted the film's pacing issues and lack of fresh insight, which might have contributed to the lackluster reception. However, performances by Stan and Strong were largely praised, adding some redeeming qualities to the otherwise struggling production.
What do you think? Is “The Apprentice” doomed from the start, or does it deserve a second chance? Let us know your thoughts!
