Sebastian Stan Reflects on His Challenging Role as Donald Trump

Sebastian Stan, the acclaimed 41-year-old actor, has recently reached new heights in his acting career, garnering critical praise for his transformative performances in "The Apprentice" and "A Different Man," both of which earned him prestigious Golden Globe nominations—a significant achievement that hasn’t been accomplished since Ryan Gosling did so in 2016.

Stan has consistently proven his ability to immerse himself in diverse roles, showcasing a commitment to exploring intricate themes of identity and acceptance. In "A Different Man," he tackled profound questions of self-discovery through intense character work. Meanwhile, "The Apprentice" sees him taking on one of the most controversial figures in modern history: Donald Trump.

Directed by Ali Abbasi, "The Apprentice" is a biographical examination of a young Donald Trump during pivotal moments in his formative years, delving into the very traits that would later define his presidency. For Stan, portraying Trump was not just an artistic endeavor; it was an intense challenge fraught with public and industry scrutiny.

“This film has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Stan shared in a conversation with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast. “It's not just about capturing Trump; it’s about confronting the societal reactions it might spark.

Challenges in Portraying a Controversial Figure

The film's path to the screen was peppered with challenges, from the controversy surrounding its financing to the fraught backdrop of an election year that stiffened public tensions. Stan recalls hesitations voiced by his peers in Hollywood about taking on the role. “I had people telling me not to do it. They were worried about backlash, that I didn’t look like him, or that it was simply too dangerous,” he recounted. “But for me, acting is about going toward the uncomfortable… about understanding humanity in its darkest corners.”

Understanding vs. Sympathy

Unique to Stan's approach was his emphasis on understanding Trump rather than sympathizing with him. “I think people often confuse understanding with sympathy. That’s not the aim here. The film poses essential questions: could you trust this man? Would you entrust your future to him?”

Revelations About Society