Staff Reports
The highly anticipated release of *The Apprentice*, a film designed to damage Donald Trump’s reputation just in time for the upcoming presidential election, has turned out to be more of a damp squib than a game-changer. Progressive hopes of an “October Surprise” were dashed when the movie managed to rake in a paltry $1.6 million during its debut weekend. Given its showing in 1,750 theaters, this translates to about ten viewers per screening—barely enough to fill a high school gymnasium.
To highlight just how spectacularly this film tanked, *Vindicating Trump*, a pro-Trump documentary that typically battles the stigma of its genre, outperformed *The Apprentice* at the box office when it opened the prior month. The comparison becomes even starker when considering the drama *Reagan*, about the 40th president, which grossed nearly five times more at its opening than the latest anti-Trump offering. One can imagine Hollywood’s fears of losing money to conservative narratives—they might want to consider pivoting to a genre where they’re actually successful.
Anti-Trump movie ‘The Apprentice’ written by liberal journalist bombs in first week in theaters https://t.co/xj311j9TMH
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) October 15, 2024
The film, penned by leftist journalist Gabriel Sherman and featuring actors like Sebastian Stan and Maria Bakalova, aimed to paint a sensational picture of Trump’s early life. It portrays him in a scandalous light that includes dubious allegations against his first wife, Ivana Trump, and questionable escapades with lawyer Roy Cohn. However, this liberal fantasy didn’t resonate with the flocks of viewers who apparently had better things to do than to watch a hit piece masquerading as entertainment.
Despite the critical acclaim from the mainstream media, evidenced by nominations for awards like the Palme d’Or, the box-office performance has led many to scramble for excuses. Some outlets suggested that the chilling persona of Trump was too much for audiences to bear or that the film suffered due to its association with former NFL owner Dan Snyder. Yet, it stands to reason that a movie designed solely as an attack piece against a popular political figure might find itself struggling to attract audiences who have already formed their opinions about the man.
In marked contrast, the depiction of Reagan as a principled leader who overcame adversity seems to have struck a chord with moviegoers. The reception of *Reagan*, despite its negative reviews from elitist critics, shows that the American people appreciate a story of resilience and moral clarity. Trump himself has praised the film, connecting with audiences at a recent rally where he highlighted the stark differences between him and the characters depicted in leftist films. One could argue this rallying cry paints a clear image of the battle lines being drawn—not just in politics but also in storytelling.
Meanwhile, in a twist that fits the classic liberal playbook, the controversy does not seem to end with the box office numbers. Trump’s legal team reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to the film’s director, declaring it “pure fiction” and “malicious defamation.” The irony is palpable: just as Sherman and his Hollywood allies seek to tarnish Trump’s reputation, their own creation rebounded back on them—a failed attempt at political manipulation that served only to strengthen the resolve of Trump supporters. The far-left may need a new strategy, because it seems that even Hollywood’s best efforts to undermine him are falling flat.
