Transforming Perceptions: Sebastian Stan's Journey as Donald Trump

Sebastian Stan, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and various other acclaimed films, faced a unique challenge when he was tasked with portraying the controversial figure of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a candid interview, Stan delved into the complexities of embodying a real-life public figure, the ethical considerations surrounding the portrayal of sensitive subject matter, and the technical process of transforming himself to capture the essence of Trump's persona.

Navigating the Challenges of Portraying a Polarizing Public Figure

Overcoming Physical Dissimilarities

Sebastian Stan revealed that he was initially "losing sleep" over the prospect of not physically resembling Donald Trump. The actor acknowledged the widespread perception that he did not bear a strong resemblance to the former president, and the team had to work diligently to find the right hair and makeup professionals to achieve the desired look. After several unsuccessful prosthetic tests, Stan reached out to the team that had helped him with his portrayal of Tommy Lee in the series "Pam & Tommy," ultimately finding the right balance to capture Trump's distinctive features.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

The film's depiction of a controversial scene involving Trump's alleged sexual assault of his then-wife, Ivana, sparked significant controversy even before its premiere. Stan discussed the team's approach to navigating this sensitive subject matter, emphasizing the importance of being "diligent, strict and honest" with themselves about their feelings towards the material. The actor acknowledged the need to confront the historical record, including Ivana's deposition, while also recognizing the complexities and nuances involved in portraying such a charged incident.

Exploring the "American Dream" and the Hero Complex

As the team delved deeper into the project, they aimed to examine the broader themes of the "American Dream" and the hero complex that they believed were central to Trump's character. Stan noted that the unique perspective of the film's director, Ali Abbasi, who is not American, proved to be an asset in exploring these complex ideas from an outsider's point of view. The actor emphasized the importance of questioning the decisions and motivations of those in positions of power, particularly when they claim to be the "leader of the free world."

Collaborating with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn

Stan also discussed his work with actor Jeremy Strong, who portrayed the infamous attorney Roy Cohn, a close associate of Donald Trump. The actor described Cohn as "the devil" and praised Strong's dedication to the role, noting the actors' commitment to staying in character even during off-set interactions. Stan highlighted the value of this immersive approach in capturing the essence of the complex relationship between Trump and Cohn.

The Technical Challenges of Portraying a Real-Life Figure

Playing a real-life person, especially one who is "everyone feels very strongly about and we can't escape," presented unique technical challenges for Sebastian Stan. The actor likened the process to "learning how to play an instrument," emphasizing the slow, tedious, and often frustrating nature of the work. However, he drew inspiration from the problem-solving approach seen in films like "Apollo 13," where the goal was to find a way to "fit into it even though you're not that."

Reflecting on His Marvel Journey and the Enduring Appeal of Bucky Barnes

While "The Apprentice" was at the forefront of Stan's mind, the actor also discussed his long-running role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He acknowledged the unique experience of playing the same character for over 15 years, noting the character's evolution alongside his own personal growth. Stan expressed his appreciation for Marvel's willingness to explore new facets of Bucky's character, highlighting the relatable nature of a protagonist who must continually grapple with the consequences of his past actions.

From Humble Beginnings to Acclaimed Roles

Sebastian Stan's journey to becoming a respected and sought-after actor is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. The actor recounted his early experiences, from hating his first acting audition as a child to discovering a passion for the craft later in life. Stan's willingness to be "aggressive" in pursuing collaborations with renowned filmmakers like Ridley Scott, Darren Aronofsky, and Steven Soderbergh has undoubtedly contributed to his diverse and acclaimed body of work.