Introduction

In a whirlwind journey marked by both excitement and trepidation, Maria Bakalova's experiences in New York City have been nothing short of dramatic. The Bulgarian actress, known for her breakout role in "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm," found herself in a precarious situation on her first trip to the Big Apple. While filming a scene that involved Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, Bakalova was thrust into a shocking event where Giuliani made unwanted advances. The incident resulted in a chaotic escape alongside Sacha Baron Cohen, where they fled to Romania as police sought to investigate the scene.

Reflections on a Chaotic Encounter

Reflecting on that day, Bakalova admits, “I was scared I might end up in jail.” Following that unexpected encounter, her subsequent trips to New York have continued to be less than ideal, filled with setbacks like contracting COVID after a screening event and subsequent thefts, leading her to humorously exclaim, “It’s cursed.”

A New Beginning in New York

Yet, it seems Bakalova has overcome her New York misfortunes. Returning to the city in August 2022, she met with director Madeleine Sackler for the film “O Horizon,” and soon after she was cast as Ivana Trump in the upcoming film “The Apprentice.” This new venture represents not just a pivotal moment in her career, but also a return to the scene of her past woes, suggesting that perhaps the city isn’t so cursed after all.

About ‘The Apprentice’

The film, which premiered on October 11, 2023, examines the rise of Donald Trump in the vibrant yet cutthroat business landscape of 1970s Manhattan. Bakalova stars alongside Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, portraying the fierce and ambitious Ivana Trump, who played a significant role in her husband's early endeavors. Despite having little experience in American politics before her film career took off, Bakalova has used her roles to explore deeper themes beyond the headlines, stating, “It’s the American dream, and the dark side of the American dream.”

Preparation for the Role

Like Ivana, Bakalova had her own competitive past as a singer and actress, and she expressed admiration for Ivana’s intelligence and determination. To prepare for her role, Bakalova immersed herself in research, dedicating six months to mastering Ivana’s unique Czech accent, a crucial element that could bring depth to her portrayal.

Controversy Surrounding the Film

The film's portrayal of Ivana and Donald Trump’s tumultuous relationship includes a contentious scene depicting sexual assault. This particular scene stirred significant controversy and raised concerns, leading to heightened scrutiny from the media and Donald Trump himself, who subsequently sent a cease-and-desist letter to block the film's U.S. release. “I don’t understand it,” Bakalova reacted to the legal threats, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech.

Press and Promotion

Despite the backlash, "The Apprentice" managed to secure a U.S. distributor and made headlines as Bakalova participated in press tours promoting the film, even as serious discussions about the political landscape loomed. As she reflects on her rapid rise in Hollywood, Bakalova’s journey from a small coastal town in Bulgaria to becoming a prominent figure at the Cannes Film Festival and beyond is an inspiring testament to resilience and talent.

Personal Insights

In a more personal note, after attending the Cannes premiere, Bakalova sought insight from a psychic about the future, a tradition rooted in her culture. Although she remains tight-lipped about the reading, one can sense a mix of hope and uncertainty in her outlook as she navigates the complexities of her stardom in a politically charged environment.

Conclusion

As Bakalova steps into her role as Ivana Trump, she continues to grapple with the multifaceted themes of identity, power, and ambition, making it clear that her performances are not merely for entertainment but rather a reflection of larger societal narratives.