Actor Sebastian Stan is gearing up for a significant career milestone as he takes on the role of Donald Trump in Ali Abbasi's upcoming film, *The Apprentice*. This film promises to delve into Trump's early business years, showcasing the formative experiences that shaped his future as a prominent figure in American politics and business. To fully embrace this challenging role, Stan has undergone a remarkable transformation, meticulously studying Trump’s physicality and mannerisms to portray him authentically.
In a revealing interview with *Variety*, Stan shared insights into the depth of his preparation. He disclosed that he compiled an impressive array of resources, stating, “I had 130 videos on his physicality on my phone.” This collection included not just footage of Trump’s public appearances but also 562 additional clips that spanned decades, from the 1970s through the present day. By analyzing these materials, Stan was able to discern Trump's distinctive speech patterns and idiosyncratic gestures, which allowed him to embody the character more fully.
Stan elaborated on the immersive nature of his approach, highlighting how he frequently improvised scenes at Abbasi's direction. For instance, he mentioned, “Ali could come in on the second take and say, ‘Why don’t you talk a little bit about the taxes and how you don’t want to pay?’” This required him to be well-versed in the specifics of Trump’s business dealings and public persona. “So I had to know what charities they were going to in 1983,” he added, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context behind the character’s actions.
To further align himself with Trump's distinctive speaking style, Stan took note of how he needed to modify his mouth movements. He explained, “I started to realize that I needed to start speaking with my lips in a different way.” This adjustment involved consciously emphasizing consonants, a technique he noted was crucial for capturing the nuances of Trump’s speech without veering into caricature. “The consonants naturally forced your lips forward,” he remarked, showcasing his dedication to delivering a nuanced performance.
Central to the film's narrative is Trump's evolving physical appearance, which Stan described as a metaphor for his burgeoning ego and ambition. When Abbasi posed the question of how much weight Stan could realistically gain for the role, he confidently replied, “You’d be surprised. You can gain a lot of weight in two months.” In the end, he successfully added 15 pounds to his physique, aligning more closely with the character he aims to portray.
*The Apprentice* is just one of two demanding roles Stan is embracing this year. He is also set to star in *A Different Man*, where he will portray a character grappling with a severe tumor disorder, necessitating yet another significant physical transformation. His performance in *A Different Man* has already garnered considerable acclaim, earning him the top acting prize at the Berlin Film Festival, which speaks volumes about his range and versatility as an actor.
As audiences anticipate the release of *The Apprentice*, there is a palpable excitement surrounding Stan’s portrayal of Trump. Many hope to witness a performance that not only captures the complexities of one of the most controversial figures in modern history but also explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of his character. Stan's commitment to authenticity and depth promises to bring a unique perspective to the role, setting the stage for what could be a defining performance in his career.
