Uncovering the Unexpected: Sebastian Stan's Search for a 'Relatable' Trump
- Sebastian Stan immersed himself in research for the biopic "The Apprentice" to play a young Donald Trump
- Stan found Trump’s behavior and personality in the film to be relatable
- The film portrays a younger Trump as a nervous outsider trying to find his way in elite Manhattan
- Stan drew parallels between his own upbringing in Romania and Trump’s relationship with his father
- Stan prepared for the role by consuming interviews, videos, and audio of Trump from the 1970s and 1980s
- He gained weight for the role and used prosthetics for certain scenes
- The film includes controversial scenes, including one where Trump’s first wife accuses him of rape
- Stan found another scene, where Trump mourns his brother’s death, to be the most challenging
US-Romanian actor Sebastian Stan has taken on the challenging role of portraying a young Donald Trump in the new biopic “The Apprentice.” Stan delved deep into Trump’s early life to prepare for the role, immersing himself in research to bring an authentic portrayal of the former president to the big screen.
In an interview, Stan revealed that he found Trump’s behavior and personality surprisingly relatable, despite the controversies that have surrounded the ex-president. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before its US release, has drawn attention for its portrayal of a younger Trump as a nervous outsider trying to navigate the elite world of Manhattan.
Born in communist Romania and moving to the United States at the age of 12, Stan felt a connection to Trump’s story of striving to belong and prove himself. He recalled his mother’s advice to “become somebody” and the pressure he felt to succeed in a new country. Similarly, Trump faced intense pressure from his father Fred, a tough and demanding figure who pushed his sons to excel.
As the film unfolds, viewers see Trump’s evolution from a struggling property developer to a powerful and ruthless figure in New York City. Stan’s performance captures the complexity of Trump’s character, showing how ambition and greed can corrupt even the most driven individuals in a capitalist society.
To prepare for the role, Stan immersed himself in Trump’s early interviews and speeches, listening to audio recordings from the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also underwent physical transformations, gaining weight and using prosthetics to accurately portray Trump at different stages of his life.
One of the most challenging scenes for Stan was a moment in which Trump mourns the loss of his older brother Freddy, who struggled with alcoholism and died at a young age. This poignant scene reveals a more vulnerable side of Trump before his thirst for power and wealth consumes him.
Despite the controversies surrounding the film, including a scene depicting Trump’s first wife Ivana accusing him of rape, Stan approached the role with dedication and respect for the complexity of the character. He avoided caricatures and stereotypes, focusing on bringing a nuanced portrayal of Trump’s journey to the screen.
As “The Apprentice” continues to garner attention and critical acclaim, Stan’s performance stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most controversial figures in recent history. Through his immersive research and dedication to the role, Stan has brought a new perspective to Trump’s early years, shedding light on the forces that shaped his rise to power and influence.
/Digital Sauce
