Production of Jair Bolsonaro Biopic 'Dark Horse' Under Investigation for Financial Irregularities

The production company Go Up Entertainment is under investigation by the Federal Police and the Supreme Federal Court regarding the financing of 'Dark Horse', a film about former President Jair Bolsonaro. Recent court decisions by Ministers André Mendonça and Edson Fachin lifted the secrecy of investigations into the project. The probes focus on two main areas: the possible irregular use of public funds from parliamentary amendments and transfers made by Daniel Vorcaro, the imprisoned former owner of Banco Master, following negotiations with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Financial documents submitted to the Federal Police reveal significant expenditures for the production. The company spent at least R$ 732,000 on luxury hotel stays in São Paulo for lead actor Jim Caviezel, his agent, and security. Additional costs included R$ 10,000 for a wig for Caviezel, R$ 54,332 for his airfare, and smaller sums for manicures and hairpieces for actresses playing Michelle Bolsonaro and other characters. One transfer of R$ 298,350 to the hotel was described as covering lodging, tips, and massages, though no corresponding invoice was found.

Further records show that Go Up Entertainment paid at least four credit card bills for Federal Deputy Mário Frias between August and November 2025. These payments ranged from R$ 32,600 to R$ 36,800. Frias, who served as a screenwriter and executive producer, denied any wrongdoing in a social media video and stated he would cooperate with the authorities.

The Federal Police recently executed 49 search and seizure warrants targeting individuals including Frias and Karina Gama, the owner of Go Up. The investigation examines potential crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, and the formation of a criminal organization. In response to requests for further documentation, Michael Davis, a majority partner of Go Up in the United States, stated that company documents held in the U.S. would only be released via diplomatic channels or a U.S. court order.