Upcoming Apple TV+ film "The Banker" was set to have its world premiere at the AFI Fest in Hollywood on Thursday, but its debut has been postponed by Apple, reports Deadline.
Apple is holding the show to investigate "recently uncovered and potentially damaging charges" surfaced by a family member of the late Bernard Garrett Sr, who the movie is based on.
In a statement, Apple said that "concerns" surrounding the film were brought to the company's attention, and its premiere has been delayed as Apple investigates.
We purchased The Banker earlier this year as we were moved by the film's entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy. Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this, we are no longer premiering The Banker at AFI Fest.
"The Banker" is based on the true story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, who devised a plan to help African Americans get access to real estate deals and bank loans during the 1960s.
The film stars Samuel L. Jackson as Joe Morris and Anthony Mackie as Bernard Garett, along with Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long.
Apple has already set a theatrical release date of December 6 for the movie, and it's not yet clear if it will still come out on that date. Following its theatrical debut, "The Banker" was set to come out on Apple TV+.
Update: Apple has delayed the theatrical release of "The Banker" and it's not yet clear if and when the movie will see a release.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
Did he get accused of being a child rapist, because I didn't read that anywhere.I mean it says someone related to the guy the movie is about has made "serious accusations" about him, so for all you know he could be a child rapist - is that not offensive enough for you?
i don’t think you can accuse them of being a gatekeeper by not releasing their own movie. When they start restricting other media then you can make all the claims you want.So now Apple is playing "gate keeper" for what video content we can see and not see?
Their attempt to provide original content will be an epic failure.
Why? Because you take any movie/actors and someone somewhere will ALWAYS be offended.
And once you start rolling over to the demands of the rabble, you will never have any backbone to ever stand again.
I think it’s pretty obvious that the person was speculating as to how serious the accusation could be. In any case, whatever it is, the accusation is serious enough that AFI Fest did something “virtually unprecedented” in pulling the movie as its closing-night film, per the Deadline article linked in the story, pending more information.Did he get accused of being a child rapist, because I didn't read that anywhere.