From Mother Jones · Isabela Dias · · 3m
Bolsonaro Biopic at Heart of Brazil Election
Bolsonaro's $24m biopic investment sparks election controversy.
In brief
Bolsonaro's $24m biopic investment sparks election controversy. Flávio Bolsonaro negotiated $24 million from fraud suspect Daniel Vorcaro to fund his father's biopic, now central to Brazil's presidential race. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Flávio Bolsonaro Shares Biopic Trailer
In May, now-presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro shared a leaked trailer for an upcoming biopic about his father, calling it the most anticipated movie of the year.
“the most anticipated movie of the year”
Biopic Depicts Bolsonaro in Prison
The trailer shows Jim Caviezel playing Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest for a failed coup attempt after his 2022 electoral defeat.
“27-year prison sentence under house arrest for a failed coup attempt after his 2022 electoral defeat”
Director Calls It a Political Thriller
Director Cyrus Nowrasteh described Dark Horse as a tense political thriller about power, media, and faith under fire.
“tense political thriller about power, media, and faith under fire”
Trailer Promises Election Impact
The trailer frames Bolsonaro as the voice of the people and a leader who fought the system that tried to silence him, including a dramatic reenactment of his stabbing during the campaign.
“the voice of the people and a leader who fought the system that tried to silence him”
Biopic Release Date Confirmed
Caviezel posted on Instagram that the film would release September 11, 2026, but it has yet to be released in Brazil before the presidential race on October 4.
“September 11, 2026”
Biopic Sparks Financial Investigation
Brazilian authorities are investigating the financing of Dark Horse by Daniel Vorcaro, a businessman jailed for alleged fraud in a complex billion-dollar scheme involving worthless credit portfolios.
“a businessman jailed for alleged fraud in a complex billion-dollar scheme involving worthless credit portfolios”
Flávio Bolsonaro Cited in Probe
Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro is cited by federal police in the investigation for possible participation in money laundering, illicit capital flight, corruption, and other related offenses.
“possible participation in money laundering, illicit capital flight, corruption, and other related offenses”
Flávio Negotiated $24m Investment
Flávio negotiated a $24-million investment from Vorcaro for Dark Horse, with payments totaling $12.3 million between February and May 2025.
“$24-million investment from Vorcaro for Dark Horse”
Flávio Presses for Payments
In a voice message to Vorcaro from September 2025, Flávio stressed the importance of getting the movie across the finish line, saying defaulting on Jim Caviezel would be really bad.
“defaulting on Jim Caviezel would be really bad”
Bolsonaro Camp Hopes for Impact
Congressman Mário Frias, involved in the project, told Vorcaro that the film would touch the hearts of many people and be very important for Brazil.
“touch the hearts of many people and be very important for Brazil”
Eduardo Bolsonaro's Role in Funds
Eduardo Bolsonaro, Flávio's brother, who is self-exiled in the US, was convicted of coercion for attempting to secure Trump administration interference on Brazil's internal affairs.
“convicted of coercion for attempting to secure Trump administration interference on Brazil's internal affairs”
Eduardo's Living Expenses
Investigators hypothesize that Eduardo directed the management of resources on foreign soil and may have used Havengate funds to cover his living expenses.
“directed the management of resources on foreign soil”
Eduardo Denies Receiving Funds
Eduardo denied receiving money from the Texas fund, saying his immigration status wouldn't have allowed it, though he recently obtained a green card.
“his immigration status wouldn't have allowed it”
Eduardo's Lavish Lifestyle
Eduardo resides in a luxury home in Southlake, owns a $43,800 SUV, and travels frequently, 20 times in 18 months, including to attend Trump's Mar-a-Lago.
“a $43,800 SUV”
Go UP Entertainment Details
Go UP Entertainment, the US-based production company behind Dark Horse, has production costs in Brazil of $3.73 million and in the US of $9.66 million.
“$3.73 million and $9.66 million”
Biopic Budget Raises Questions
Industry insiders compared the budget to Oscar-worthy productions, noting the company spent $2,000 on a rental wig for Caviezel and $135,000 in hotel accommodation for the star.
“$2,000 on a rental wig for Caviezel”
Go UP's Transparency Claim
Go UP Entertainment claims it conducts business activities and film production in a documented and transparent manner, complying with contractual obligations.
“conducts business activities and film production in a documented and transparent manner”
Eduardo's Terminator Comparison
Eduardo suggested the biopic could have a similar enduring impact to Terminator 2, saying it would be a nightmare for the Left.
“a nightmare for the Left”
In short
Flávio Bolsonaro negotiated $24 million from fraud suspect Daniel Vorcaro to fund his father's biopic, now central to Brazil's presidential race.
