Apple delays 'The Banker' theatrical and streaming release on inaccuracy, sexual abuse claims

Apple has elected to delay the release of its original movie "The Banker," originally slated to debut in theaters on Dec. 6, as filmmakers investigate allegations of historical inaccuracy and sexual misconduct.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Variety on Friday reports the later theatrical bow will also push back a planned January release on the Apple TV+ streaming service.

Filmmakers are investigating claims of historical inaccuracies and sexual misconduct on the part of co-producer and consultant Bernard Garrett Jr., whose father is the subject of the film. The accusations were leveled last week by Cynthia Garrett, a woman who claims Garrett Jr. is her half brother, the report said. Garrett Jr. is not depicted in the film.

"The Banker" was set to premiere at the AFI Fest on Thursday, but Apple decided to pull the movie on Wednesday. The company in a statement did not specify why it elected to scrub the showing at the eleventh hour, saying only that it was investigating "concerns" surrounding the film.

"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," Apple said at the time. "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 a true story about two African American businessmen who in the 1960s trained a working class white man to be the figurehead of a successful real estate and banking empire. Anthony Mackie stars as the late Bernard Garrett Sr., while Samuel L. Jackson plays Joe Morris.

20 Comments

Soli 9981 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

1) That's too bad, because this story seems great.

2) This is the first time I've seen an issue like this affect people not in a film. The closest I can see is that the accused son of the main character was consulted for the project.

sacto joe 895 comments · 14 Years

So far, I've seen some seriously edgy and highly thoughtful videos coming out of Apple TV+. Far from the pablum some on this forum were predicting, this stuff is not pulling any punches. The adult fare is in fact adult fare.

It would be a shame if what looks to be yet another edgy and thoughtful offering gets permanently pulled due to some individual's failings. Hopefully, a way forward can be found to release this film I was personally looking forward to.

leavingthebigg 1291 comments · 11 Years

What does Cynthia Garret want if her allegations are proven to be true? Is she doing this cleanse her soul of long held grievances or is she doing this for her supposed cut of the money that is going to her alleged half brother?

netrox 1499 comments · 12 Years

Soli said:

1) That's too bad, because this story seems great.

2) This is the first time I've seen an issue like this affect people not in a film. The closest I can see is that the accused son of the main character was consulted for the project.

I think it's the "inaccuracy" issue.

gadgetcanadav2 690 comments · 11 Years

sacto joe said:

So far, I've seen some seriously edgy and highly thoughtful videos coming out of Apple TV+. Far from the pablum some on this forum were predicting, this stuff is not pulling any punches. The adult fare is in fact adult fare.

It would be a shame if what looks to be yet another edgy and thoughtful offering gets permanently pulled due to some individual's failings. Hopefully, a way forward can be found to release this film I was personally looking forward to.

After watching the prayer ritual in the first couple episodes of "See", I'm not too worried about Apple being edgy enough. Good show so far. It's no Mandalorian (which is spectacular) but still it's good.