Sebastian Stan, celebrated for his transformative roles in film and television, took on one of his most challenging portrayals yet in the biopic The Apprentice, where he played former president and current 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on Nov. 4, Stan opened up about why he chose the part, describing a journey that pushed him beyond his initial opinions of Trump and into an exploration of the broader concept of the American Dream.
A Surprising Shift in Perspective
At first, Stan approached the idea of playing Trump with skepticism. Known for his nuanced roles, he admitted to feeling “dismissive” and “judgmental” about portraying such a polarizing figure. Yet, as he immersed himself in the character, Stan’s attitude toward the role transformed. “What essentially started with my sort of dismissive, judgmental attitude of this guy started to shape into something bigger,” Stan explained. For him, it became an opportunity to delve into a mindset that Trump has often symbolized—a view of America, its opportunities, and its dreams that resonates with some and polarizes others.
The Role’s Connection to the American Dream
Stan’s portrayal of Trump is deeply connected to his personal views on the American Dream, which he finds both inspiring and complex. Born in Romania, Stan moved to the U.S. with his mother when he was 12 years old, seeking a new life and opportunity. He recalled how his mother, shortly after they arrived in New York City, pointed out the Twin Towers and other iconic landmarks, describing America as “the promised land, the land of the free, the land of opportunity.”
Stan shared that this moment had a profound impact on him. “This is where you can become someone,” he remembered his mother saying, explaining how she had “sacrificed her life” to bring him to a place where he could build a future. This immigrant experience left Stan with a lasting fascination for the American Dream—a theme that not only played into his role as Trump but shaped his personal identity as well. “I have always been in love with this idea,” he said, recognizing that he is, in many ways, a product of this pursuit. “I am sort of an example of the American dream. I’ve lucked out,” he reflected, acknowledging both the challenges and privileges of his journey.
Stan’s History of Transformation: From Tommy Lee to Jeff Gillooly
Taking on real-life characters isn’t new for Stan, who has a history of undergoing intense physical and emotional transformations to bring people to life on screen. In 2022, he famously portrayed Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee in the limited series Pam & Tommy, a role that demanded hours of physical and visual preparation. From extensive body tattoos and piercings to dramatic weight loss and hair changes, Stan went all-in for the role. He detailed to Entertainment Weekly the extreme routine he adopted, aiming for up to 20,000 steps a day and practicing intermittent fasting, which involved fasting for 16 to 18 hours daily. “That definitely does something, especially if you’re in traffic,” he joked, noting the physical toll it took on him.
Yet the results were evident—Stan’s physical transformation helped him embody Lee’s rock-star persona, blending the visual with the psychological. The performance received widespread acclaim for its depth and authenticity, showcasing Stan’s commitment to capturing not just Lee’s look but his essence.
Reliving Real Stories: Playing Jeff Gillooly in I, Tonya
Before Pam & Tommy, Stan portrayed Jeff Gillooly in I, Tonya (2018), a biographical film about the infamous 1994 attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Gillooly, the ex-husband of Tonya Harding, was a central figure in one of the most scandalous moments in sports history. Stan admitted that he initially knew little about the incident, describing it as “an insane story” he had to absorb in a short period. “At the time, I’d never played a real person before, so I was mortified,” he told Vanity Fair. Stan spent months researching Gillooly, working to understand a character who was both vilified and complex. “I certainly didn’t live his life,” Stan said, emphasizing the challenge of embodying someone with such a different background and moral code.
For Stan, these roles are more than just performances; they are opportunities to explore the complex motivations and cultural forces shaping real people. In each case—Gillooly, Lee, and now Trump—he approached his role with a combination of commitment and curiosity, striving to uncover layers that might not be visible at first glance.
Exploring the Cultural Impact of the American Dream
In playing Trump, Stan also found himself examining the broader cultural questions that Trump’s life and political journey raise. Trump, as a symbol, represents different things to different people. For some, he embodies the American Dream’s promise of success and self-made prosperity; for others, he is a figure of controversy and division. Stan wanted to understand these dualities, using his own immigrant background to inform the portrayal. “This idea of the American dream, as we know it, and what is it, really?” he pondered, acknowledging that the dream means different things to different people.
The opportunity to question and reflect on such themes made the role more than just an acting challenge; it became a personal exploration for Stan, who has lived the experience of striving for success in America. Through his portrayal of Trump, he hopes to bring a balanced, multifaceted view to a character who continues to be one of the most discussed and debated figures in American culture.
What’s Next for Stan’s Career?
Stan’s career continues to be defined by his versatility and commitment to challenging roles. From iconic superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to real-life figures with complex histories, he has shown a willingness to push his boundaries and explore diverse characters. His choice to play Trump may seem unconventional, but for Stan, it’s a logical next step in a career defined by transformation and depth.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how Stan’s portrayal of Trump will resonate. His ability to humanize figures often viewed through polarized lenses—whether it’s a rock star, a controversial husband, or a president—shows his commitment to bringing authenticity to every role. The Apprentice promises to be one of Stan’s most ambitious projects, blending political intrigue with the timeless questions of identity, opportunity, and the American Dream.
The Information is Collected from E! Online and Yahoo.
