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The upcoming release of the HBO movie “Game Change,” based on the 2010 book of the same name by journalists John Heilemann and Mark Halperin which chronicled the 2008 presidential contest, has renewed controversy over its depiction of the GOP ticket.

According to the trailer and early reports on the movie, the film focuses on the campaign of McCain and his vice presidential running mate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, rather than on Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonOvernight Defense: Government funding bill butts up against deadline | Pentagon reports eighth military COVID-19 death | Trump, Pentagon collide over anti-diversity training push Voters split on whether Trump, Biden will win first debate: poll New Monmouth poll finds Biden with 6-point lead MORE or now-President Obama's run.

Current and former Palin aides lashed out against the movie last week, calling it “inaccurate” and “sick.” None of the aides had seen the movie, which premieres on HBO on March 10. One former aide, Jason Recher, claimed that Danny Strong, who adapted the book for film, broke a promise to let him see the script before the release. Strong later denied the claim.



“I am adamant — adamant — that I never promised to show him the script because I never promised anyone I’d show them the script,” Strong told The Hollywood Reporter.

McCain also defended his choice of Palin for the ticket. "Regret it? I'm proud,” he said in response to a question over the weekend, according to the L.A. Times. "I just don't get … why they want to continue to attack Sarah Palin, a good and decent, fine mother, a wonderful person."

Actor Ed Harris plays McCain in the movie, and Julianne Moore plays Palin.