American actor Jim Caviezel’s upcoming film Dark Horse, a biographical drama based on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has become embroiled in a political and financial controversy in Brazil over its funding and political ties.
The controversy escalated after reports linked the project’s financing to banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is currently under investigation for his alleged role in a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme involving the collapsed Banco Master.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, confirmed that he had arranged a private sponsorship deal for the film but said the agreement was made before Vorcaro became the subject of a federal investigation, denying any exchange of political favors.
Further scrutiny emerged after The Intercept Brasil reported that Vorcaro allegedly pledged up to $24 million to finance Dark Horse, with part of the amount reportedly already paid. The report cited alleged messages and audio recordings suggesting close contact between the senator and the banker.
A source familiar with the Federal Police investigation said the communications were among materials seized by authorities.
GOUP Entertainment, the production company behind Dark Horse, denied receiving any funds from Vorcaro or his companies. The company said the film has more than 10 investors and has not received “a single cent” from the banker, although it confirmed that Senator Bolsonaro helped connect private investors to the project.
The film, directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and starring Jim Caviezel as Jair Bolsonaro, portrays the former Brazilian leader’s political rise and conflicts with what is described as a “corrupt establishment.” It is scheduled for release in September, just weeks before Brazil’s presidential election.
The controversy comes amid the ongoing Banco Master scandal, in which Vorcaro was arrested in March on allegations of leading a large-scale fraud operation. The case has become a major political flashpoint in Brazil, with rival factions trading accusations over links to the disgraced banker.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro defended his involvement, saying he only helped secure private sponsorship for a personal project about his father’s life. He rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said attempts to connect the film to criminal activity were politically motivated.
He also criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, referencing earlier reports of meetings between the president and Vorcaro, and accused political opponents of targeting his family.
Additional reporting by The Intercept Brasil also cited alleged communications suggesting Flavio Bolsonaro invited Vorcaro to a private dinner with Caviezel and director Cyrus Nowrasteh. Reuters has not independently verified whether the meeting took place.
Although the film’s official budget has not been disclosed, alleged commitments of up to $24 million would make Dark Horse one of the most expensive productions in Brazilian cinema history. Flavio Bolsonaro estimated total production costs at around $16 million beyond initial funding.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from Brazil’s film industry. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho compared the reported budget to significantly lower-cost Brazilian films, highlighting broader debates over politics, influence, and film financing in the country.
