Apple TV+ Oscar contender “The Banker” has been pulled from the AFI Film Festival. Why? Here’s the press release from Apple:
“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” tells the true story of businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson) who came up with a plan in the 1950s to buy a few banks. The middleman of this scheme was a white person (Nicholas Hoult) who was going to infiltrate the no-colored American banking system and strike a deal for the two men.
Deadline is now reporting that the “concerns” may have something to do with Garrett Sr. Supposedly, troubling allegations against him have prompted Apple to pull the premiere and likely a theatrical release currently set for Dec. 6. We are hearing that a notable trade (Variety or THR?) is currently in the midst of publishing a story about Garrett Sr. and the allegations. Garret Sr.’s son,
Bernard Garrett Jr. was a consultant on the film and has participated in post-screening Q&As. Suffice to say, “The Banker” is now officially D.O.A.