Last night, Apple canceled the premiere of the Apple TV+ film “The Banker.” It was supposed to be shown as the closing film at the AFI Fest.
Apple's new film "The Banker" was originally supposed to premiere at the AFI Fest and be released in theaters on December 6th. The release on Apple TV+ would have taken place sometime in 2020. But now the plans have changed. The reason for this withdrawal is said to be "concerns" about the story. Apple's statement says:
"We acquired The Banker earlier this year because we were moved by the film's entertaining and educational story of social change and financial literacy. Last week, we were made aware of some concerns about the film. We need some time with the filmmakers to address these issues and determine the best next steps. With that in mind, we are no longer presenting The Banker at AFI Fest."
The film is based on a true story about two African-American businessmen who trained a white working-class man in the 1960s and made him the figurehead of an extremely successful real estate and banking empire. Anthony Mackie plays the role of the late Bernard Garrett Sr., while Joe Morris is played by Samuel L. Jackson. The Deadline platform reports that a member of the Garrett family has made very "disturbing claims" about Bernard Garrett Jr., who does not appear in "The Banker". The previously unknown statements are said to have been shared with a trade magazine that wants to write a story based on them. Apple's decision is therefore understandable. Instead of "The Banker", "Marriage Story" - a Netflix production - will now be shown as the closing film at the festival. (Image: Apple TV+)
