Apple canceled the premiere of the Apple TV+ film "The Banker" last night. It was scheduled to be shown as the closing night film at the AFI Fest.
Apple's new film "The Banker" was originally scheduled to premiere at AFI Fest and air in theaters on December 6th. Its release on Apple TV+ would have taken place sometime in 2020. But now plans have changed. The reason for this withdrawal is said to be "concerns" regarding the story. According to Apple's statement:
"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, in the 1960s, trained a working-class white man and turned him into the figurehead of a hugely successful real estate and banking empire. Anthony Mackie plays the role of the late Bernard Garrett Sr., while Joe Morris is portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. Deadline reports that a member of the Garrett family made very "disturbing allegations" about Bernard Garrett Jr., who does not appear in "The Banker." The previously unknown statements were reportedly shared with a trade magazine, which plans to use them to create a story. 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+)
