Production on teh upcoming biopic “Dark Horse,” starring Jim Caviezel as former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is facing scrutiny amid allegations of unfavorable working conditions.The São Paulo Artists adn Technicians union of Entertainment (Sated-SP) is investigating reports of issues on set, raising questions about the treatment of cast and crew during the filming of the controversial project [[1]]. The film, directed by Cyrus nowrasteh, aims to portray Bolsonaro’s life and career as he awaits a verdict on charges related to an attempted coup d’état [[3]].
Concerns are mounting on the set of “Dark Horse,” the upcoming biopic about former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, with reports of unfavorable working conditions for cast and crew. The São Paulo Artists and Technicians Union of Entertainment (Sated-SP) announced Monday that it dispatched delegates to the film’s production to investigate.
“Sated-SP received reports of several worrying situations from both extras and actors,” the union stated. “Union delegates responsible for monitoring visited the filming location to speak with the team and the film’s production, presenting the complaints received and requesting that appropriate measures be taken to ensure that artists are treated in accordance with Sated regulations.”
Federal Deputy Mário Frias (PL-SP), who is credited as a producer and screenwriter on the film, was contacted for comment but had not responded as of publication. This story will be updated if a response is received.
“Dark Horse” is planned as a heroic portrayal of the controversial former president, framing Bolsonaro as an “unlikely victor” in the elections. The film will also delve into his military background and his work fighting drug trafficking. A character based on the man who attempted to assassinate Bolsonaro in 2018 will appear under a fictional name.
The filmmakers aim to reach an international audience by reconstructing Bolsonaro’s political trajectory, even as he faces a 27-year and 3-month prison sentence for attempted coup d’état and remains in preventative detention since November 22. Biopics of political figures often draw significant global attention.
Leaked images from the set of “Dark Horse” (“O azarão,” in loose translation) show American actor Jim Caviezel, who will portray Bolsonaro, recreating the 2018 stabbing incident that occurred during the presidential campaign in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais.
The cast also includes international stars such as Lynn Collins (“John Carter – Between Two Worlds”) and Esai Morales (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”), alongside Brazilian actor Felipe Folgosi, who plays a federal police officer.
Director Cyrus Nowrasteh, 69, is also known for his religiously themed films, including “The Stoning of Soraya M.” (2008), “The Young Messiah” (2016), and “Captive” (2019).
