The Bankerwas supposed to be Apple TV+’s play into the prestige film space. Starring Marvel vetsAnthony MackieandSamuel L. Jackson, it tells the true story ofBernard GarrettandJoe Morris, two African-American businessmen in the 1950s who hired a white man to front their real estate business. It was even going to open at the prestigious AFI Fest in 2019. But then,allegations of misconductagainst the film’s co-producer (and Garrett’s son)Bernard Garrett Jr.emerged, from his half-sisterCynthia Garrett. And while Apple figured out what to do, they pulled the film from AFI and postponed the release date indefinitely. Now, Apple has announced (h/tThe Hollywood Reporter) the official release date forThe Banker: March 6 in theatres, March 20 streaming on Apple TV+.
The allegations against Garrett Jr. involve actions of sexual assault that took place when he and Cynthia Garrett were children. Apple has removed Garrett Jr. from the film’s credits, and he will receive no profits from the film moving forward (although Garrett Jr. was actively involved in pitching and was apparently paid upfront). And while Cynthia Garrett is still against the release of the film, Apple released an emphatic statement: “We created Apple TV + as a home for stories that matter and believe The Banker, inspired by the brave actions of Bernard Garrett Sr. and Joe Morris, two African American businessmen who brought about positive social change, is one of those stories.” The filmmakers ofThe Banker, including Mackie, Jackson, and directorGeorge Nolfi, added:
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 ground-breaking achievements combating racial inequality in the 1950s and 60s. 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 Bankercomes to theatres March 6, and to Apple TV+ March 20. Watch thefirst trailerhere. For more Apple news, here’s everythingconfirmed to be coming to Apple TV+thus far. Plus: an exclusive lookbehind the scenes ofServant.
