Sebastian Stan has explained why his two acclaimed 2024 performances were so challenging, and confirms which one was the toughest. Stan’s two movie roles in 2024 included leading the cast of The Apprentice, portraying Donald Trump in a period piece about his rise to power in the business world, and as the lead in A Different Man, about an actor suffering facial disfigurement from neurofibromatosis. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for both movies at the Golden Globes, winning for A Different Man.
Now, speaking at a Golden Globes press conference where ScreenRant was in attendance, Stan explained how, between both of his major 2024 movie roles, his performance as Donald Trump in The Apprentice was his most difficult. The actor offered praise to A Different Man, in particular his co-star, Adam Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis in real life, but said he had more “sleepless nights” while portraying the President-elect. He mentioned director Ali Abbasi and his vision for the movie, and how much he tried to uphold it. Check out what Stan had to say below:
Without a doubt, the man in orange. Playing Donald Trump, definitely the hardest. And that is not to diminish why I’m up here right now talking to you, I think this in itself was really difficult, it was a big risk in terms of what it speaks to, and to try to walk in somebody else’s shoes who has neurofibromatosis like Adam Pearson. So that had its own challenges as well, wanting to do that right, but in terms of, when I look back at my sleepless nights and the responsibility that I feel I carried, that I still feel that I carry, it is The Apprentice. And wanting to do the best that I can to honor Ali Abbasi’s vision, and to offer further perspective on something that I think we’re all inevitably having to deal with.
What Sebastian Stan’s Difficulty Playing Trump Says About The Apprentice
The Topical Role Was A Challenging One To Get Right
The biopic’s story follows Stan’s Trump in 1970s New York City, as he’s taken under the wing of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) and begins his ascent to power as a real estate mogul. Reviews for The Apprentice have been positive from critics and audiences alike, who praised the movie’s study of its lead character, even if it shies away in some areas of his life and business dealings. Trump previously served as President of the United States from 2016 through 2020, and will do so again in 2025, making the film very topical for the times.
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It’s no surprise Stan found the role difficult because of its timeliness, with the movie focusing on the seedy underbelly of New York City business dealings through the politician’s life. A Different Man obviously presented its own challenges as well, thanks to a thought-provoking story and themes, alongside the difficulty of respectfully portraying his character. However, the topical relevance of The Apprentice‘s true story makes it difficult to pull off, especially with Trump as a divisive figure for many in the United States at this time.
Our Take On Stan’s Difficulty Playing Donald Trump In The Apprentice
It’s Unsurprising Given His Historical Relevance
Stan‘s difficulty portraying Trump in The Apprentice isn’t too surprising, especially when he continues to be a controversial figure despite his recent Presidential win. By shining a light on his early years as a New York City businessman, the actor delivers a strong, important performance for anyone interested in learning about the President-elect’s younger days. The star’s viewpoint is understandable because of this, something that will likely remain unchanged as awards season continues.
Stan’s next role is as Bucky Barnes in 2025’s Thunderbolts* for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Apprentice depicts a young Donald Trump in 1970s New York, highlighting his formative relationship with Roy Cohn, a ruthless attorney. As Trump seeks to establish his own legacy, Cohn identifies him as an ideal protégé, drawn to his ambition and determination to succeed at any cost.
- Release Date
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October 11, 2024
- Runtime
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123 Minutes
- Cast
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Sebastian Stan
, Jeremy Strong
, Maria Bakalova
, Emily Mitchell
, Martin Donovan
, Patch Darragh
, Stuart Hughes
, Eoin Duffy
, Chloe Madison
, Ben Sullivan
, Mark Rendall
, Joe Pingue
, Catherine McNally
, Charlie Carrick
, Jim Monaco
, Bruce Beaton
, Ian D. Clark
, Valerie O’Connor
, James Madge
, Ron Lea
, Edie Inksetter
, Michael Hough
, Robert J. Tavenor
, Raechel Fisher
, Stefanie Martino
, Randy Thomas
, Myron Ron Reider
, Sharon Wilcox - Character(s)
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Donald Trump
, Roy Cohn
, Ivana Trump
, Ivanka Trump
, Fred Trump
, Daniel Sullivan
, Mike Wallace
, Tony Schwartz
, Fancy
, Russell Eldridge
, Roger Stone
, Fat Tony Salerno
, Mary Anne Trump
, Freddy Trump
, Al Formicola
, Andy Warhol
, Ed Koch
, Rona Barret
, Tom Bolan
, Victor Palmieri
, Barbara Katz
, Kinney (Reporter #1)
, Reporter #2
, Reporter (#3)
, Reporter #4
, Reporter #5
, Atlantic City Gambler #1
, Atlantic City Gambler #2 - Director
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Ali Abbasi
- Writers
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Gabriel Sherman
- Studio(s)
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Fabula Pictures