Sebastian Stan, known for his versatile acting and transformative performances, recently opened up about his experience playing Donald Trump in the upcoming film The Apprentice. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film explores Trump’s rise during his earlier years, providing an unconventional perspective on the polarizing figure. Stan’s portrayal, however, didn’t come without significant challenges, both physically and emotionally, which he candidly shared in a recent interview.
A Bold Casting Choice
Director Ali Abbasi initially had an unconventional idea for the role of Donald Trump. Two weeks before filming began, he revealed to Stan, “Originally, I was going to cast a woman to play Trump.” This unique vision set the tone for the film, which aims to explore Trump’s early life in a fresh, creative way.
Ultimately, Abbasi decided on Stan, believing he could bring a balance of vulnerability and strength to the role. The director encouraged Stan to dig deep into Trump’s formative years and show the human side behind the larger-than-life persona.
The Story Behind The Apprentice
The film doesn’t focus on Trump as the global figure we know today. Instead, The Apprentice explores his younger years, diving into his ambitions, family dynamics, and the events that shaped his personality. It’s a story of transformation, ambition, and the struggles of someone trying to make their mark.
While the film isn’t a biography, it offers a glimpse into Trump’s world before the fame and controversy. Through Sebastian Stan playing Trump, audiences get a chance to see the man behind the public image, framed by Abbasi’s bold and artistic storytelling.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
Playing Trump wasn’t a walk in the park for Stan. During a recent interview, he was asked, “At what point did you feel most in danger of failing?” His honest answer revealed the immense pressure he faced.
Stan shared, “I was having panic attacks every night. There wasn’t enough time to gain weight, and the prosthetics test failed badly, so I was in trouble. And then, just two weeks before filming, the director told me, ‘Originally, I was going to cast a woman to play Trump.’”
The pressure of portraying such a polarizing figure, combined with physical challenges, often left him feeling overwhelmed. Stan admitted that he struggled to find his footing in the role.
Prosthetics and Physical Transformation
One of the biggest challenges for Stan was the physical transformation. To look like Trump, he had to spend hours in the makeup chair daily, wearing prosthetics to mimic Trump’s facial features.
However, not everything went smoothly. In one instance, the prosthetics failed during a key scene due to heat, forcing the crew to pause filming. Reflecting on the experience, Stan said, “It was frustrating at the time, but now I look back and laugh. It was part of the process of becoming Trump.”
Despite these hurdles, Stan was determined to stay true to the character. He worked hard to master Trump’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and even his unique way of carrying himself.
Panic Attacks and Pressure
Stan admitted that the emotional toll of the role was heavier than he had anticipated. The panic attacks weren’t just about the physical challenges but also the pressure of public scrutiny.
“It’s not just about the performance,” he explained. “It’s about how people will perceive it, how they’ll criticize it, and whether they’ll think it’s authentic enough.”
The weight of these expectations, combined with the grueling demands of the role, often left Stan questioning himself. But with the support of the cast and crew, he found the strength to push through.
Fans’ Excitement and Mixed Reactions
When news broke that Sebastian Stan would play Donald Trump, fans were divided. Some were excited to see him take on such a daring role, while others were skeptical about whether he could pull it off.
As trailers for The Apprentice were released, opinions began to shift. Stan’s dedication to the role and Abbasi’s unique vision started to win over skeptics. Many fans are now eagerly awaiting the film, curious to see how Stan portrays Trump’s early years.
The Director’s Vision
Ali Abbasi’s direction played a significant role in shaping Stan’s performance. Abbasi focused on humanizing Trump, encouraging Stan to explore the complexities of his character rather than playing a caricature.
Stan explained, “Ali didn’t want to glorify or vilify Trump. He aimed to show the events and influences that shaped him as a person.”
This approach gives The Apprentice a fresh perspective, setting it apart from other portrayals of Trump in media.
A Role to Remember
Despite the challenges, Stan looks back on the experience with pride. He said, “It’s one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever taken on, but also one of the most rewarding.”
The Apprentice promises to be more than just a movie about Trump—it’s a deep dive into the making of a public figure, told through stunning visuals and powerful performances.
Conclusion
Sebastian Stan’s journey in The Apprentice is a testament to his dedication as an actor. From panic attacks to prosthetics fails, he faced every challenge head-on to bring the role to life.
Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film offers a fresh take on Trump’s early years, blending creativity with thought-provoking storytelling. Whether you love or loathe Trump, Sebastian Stan playing Trump in The Apprentice is sure to spark conversations. To know more
