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Apple TV+ 'The Banker': Why has the movie been delayed? The controversy surrounding the film starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L Jackson

Here's why we will not see the Samuel L Jackson and Anthony Mackie starrer that was set to be released on December 6
UPDATED JAN 30, 2020
Samuel L. Jackson (Source : Getty Images)
Samuel L. Jackson (Source : Getty Images)

The theatrical release of Apple's original film 'The Banker' has been delayed from December 6 indefinitely, following sexual misconduct allegations against the film's co-producer, Bernard Garrett Jr, who is also the son of the subject of the drama.

Apple canceled the AFI fest premiere of 'The Banker' after Cynthia and Sheila Garrett alleged that they were sexually molested by their half-brother Garrett Jr over the course of a few years.

The sisters also said that the timeline in the film had been tweaked in order to leave the girls as well as their mother out of the story, instead featuring Bernard Garrett Jr's mother, who was already divorced from Garrett Sr at the time of the events of the film. 



 

'The Banker' tells the story of Garrett Sr (played by Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morros (Samuel L Jackson), who recruited a white man to front their Los Angeles real estate empire in pre-Civil Rights era America.

On November 16, Cynthia Garrett tweeted out a trailer for the film with the caption, "Lies to hide the producer who sexually molested my sister and me for years, then stole my mom's life story with our dad. Wow!!! #TimesUp. This family will not remain silent."

On November 19, Apple announced the cancellation and released a statement, "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," the statement added.

Recently, the filmmakers released a statement defending the film. "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 groundbreaking achievements combating racial inequality in the 1950s and '60s," reads the statement.

The statement was signed by director and writer George Nolfi, as well as stars and producers Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson. The cast and crew behind the pic, including Nia Long, Nicholas Hoult, and below-the-line crew members." 

It further read, "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 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 added. Apple is yet to announce the new release date of the film.

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