*You know that film with a lot of buzz starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson called “The Banker?” Well, cancel any plans to see it.
That’s because, on Friday, Apple put its theatrical release on hold due to misconduct allegations against one of the film’s co-producers.
By the way, following its run in theaters, “The Banker” had been slated to appear on Apple’s new streaming service (Apple+) in January, which now seems doubtful.
The delay comes in the wake of Apple canceling the film’s premiere at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles, citing, at the time, unspecified concerns about the movie and saying it needed time to review them. Needless to say, it’s now known what those concerns are.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the premiere was canceled after two relatives of Bernard Garrett Jr., who is a co-producer on the film, accused him of molesting them when they were girls.
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The film is based on the life of Garrett’s father, Bernard, who in the 1950s and ’60s recruited a white man to pose as the face of his expansive real estate and banking business. Bernard Garrett, who is played by Anthony Mackie in the film, was convicted of misusing bank funds in 1968.
“The Banker” also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long and Nicholas Holt.
“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 in a statement Wednesday. “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.”
Interestingly, “The Banker” was being positioned as a contender for the upcoming awards season. Now, with its release date unknown, it stands a good chance of missing out on any award possibilities.
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