It’s safe to say that Apple’s launch of its filmmaking endeavors and streaming platform isn’t going as smoothly as it wanted. On the TV side of things, the first wave of TV+ shows have been met with mixed-to-bad reviews, leading to one executive already exiting the company. And now, on the film side, “The Banker,” which was intended on being Apple’s triumphant entrance into prestige filmmaking has become the source of controversy, leading to its uncertain future.
But in a new statement released by the cast and crew of “The Banker,” it’s clear that everyone just wants to move forward with the feel-good drama and hopefully, finally, launch Apple into the realm of moviemaking.
If you haven’t been following the drama, “The Banker,” was on the precipice of being released as the opening night film at the recent AFI Fest. However, right as that was about to take place, allegations of sexual assault were reported by Cynthia Garrett, the daughter of Bernard Garrett, Sr, the main character of the film.
Cynthia Garrett alleged that she and her sisters were molested by her half-brother, Bernard Garrett, Jr, the son of the main character and a co-producer on the film. In addition, she claims that the filmmakers involved with “The Banker” never contacted her family in regards to the content of the film. Immediately after the allegations, the co-producer’s name was removed from the credits, but the film has yet to receive an official release date.
“We set out to tell a story we were very passionate about, recounting the remarkable lives of Bernard Garrett Sr and Joe Morris, and their ground-breaking achievements combating racial inequality in the 1950s and 60s,” said the statement (via Deadline). “Though we have no way of knowing what may have transpired between Mr. Garrett’s children in the 1970s, including the allegations of abuse we have recently been made aware of, our hearts go out to anyone who has suffered.”
The statement continued, “The film itself is not based on the recollections of any of Bernard Garrett Sr’s children, but rather, on recorded interviews with Bernard Garrett Sr himself, conducted in 1995, supported by congressional transcripts, court rulings, and other media articles from the era. We stand by the film, and its positive message of empowerment.”
The statement is signed by over 50 members of the film’s cast and crew, including director George Nolfi, and actors Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, and Nicholas Hoult.
As of now, Apple has not released any plans for how the studio is going to release “The Banker.” The film was expected to be Apple’s first big awards season film, with a prime December release. However, when the allegations hit, the film was quickly pulled from its festival debut and theatrical release.
