Apple canceled the premiere of its first original movie, The Banker, amid concerns surrounding the real-life character's son
Apple's hopes of entering the film battleground to fight in the great streaming wars are on pause for now. The tech company pulled the release of its first original movie, The Banker, late Wednesday night, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Apple did not state any specific reasoning behind the decision to yank the movie, merely stating there were "concerns" surrounding the film. The Banker has recently garnered controversy over sexual abuse allegations against Bernard Garrett Jr, the real-life character's son. The claims were made by Garrett Jr.'s half-sisters, Cynthia and Sheila Garrett, Deadline reports. As of now, the accusations are undisclosed, but according to the Reporter, Cynthia Garrett recently brought the claims to Apple's attention. They allege the misconduct took place while Garrett Jr. was staying at their family home. Garrett Jr. co-produced The Banker, notes the Reporter, but he is no longer credited, according to the film's IMDb page.
The movie is based on a true story about the first African-American bankers in the United States who used a white man (played by Nicholas Hoult) as the face of their business. It stars Marvel co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie. Jackson is playing Joe Morris and Mackie is playing Garrett Jr.'s father, Bernard Garrett.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Banker was set to have its world premiere Thursday night in Hollywood at the American Film Institute Fest, and was even gathering Oscars buzz ahead of its sudden cancellation. The slot has now been filled with Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story, per Deadline.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brielle Diskin is an Associate Editor at The Week Junior. Her writing has appeared in Men's Health, Popsugar, Girls on Tops, Wondermind, and other publications. A reluctant Jersey Girl, Brielle has a degree in journalism from Rutgers University. She lives in Hoboken and loves movies, Nora Ephron, and cooking viral TikTok recipes.
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published