Sebastian Stan Opens Up About Playing Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice.

Sebastian Stan is discussing his film The Apprentice.

The 42-year-old actor portrays a younger version of Donald Trump set in the 1970s, a role that has sparked considerable debate, even drawing reactions from the President-elect himself.

In a recent interview, Sebastian revealed that embodying this contentious character has proven to be the most challenging experience of his career, and it extended beyond merely adopting the character's persona.

“Not just because of the complexities of playing Trump, but because of the reaction it provokes,” Sebastian said on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast.

“I had people telling me not to do it,” he recalled. “They said it might alienate people, that I didn’t look like him, that it was too dangerous. But for me, acting is about going toward the uncomfortable… about trying to understand humanity, even in the darkest places.”

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“I think people interpret understanding as an attempt to sympathize, and that’s not the goal here,” he adds, noting the film isn’t about sympathizing with Trump, but understanding him. “The film asks: would you trust this man? Would you put your life in his hands?”

Sebastian, however, has expressed disappointment regarding the backlash and reactions to the film, both within Hollywood and beyond.

“It’s been revealing to see how hesitant people are,” he said. “I’ve had people come up to me at parties, saying it’s their favorite film of the year, but when it comes to supporting it publicly, there’s silence. That part of it has been tough.”

In November, Sebastian disclosed that he had received an invitation to participate in Variety’s Actors on Actors series; however, he was compelled to decline the opportunity due to the lack of a co-interviewee.

Following this announcement, his I, Tonya co-star and friend, Paul Walter Hauser, expressed his willingness to engage in the interview with Sebastian.

Recently, Sebastian was honored with a Golden Globe for his performance in his film, A Different Man. He also made his red carpet debut alongside his girlfriend, Annabelle Wallis, at the ceremony.

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Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice highlights his commitment to challenging roles and his dedication to exploring complex characters. Despite facing backlash and concerns from both fans and industry professionals, Stan remained true to his craft, choosing to confront the discomfort of portraying such a divisive figure.

His openness about the difficulties of the role showcases his resilience and passion for acting. By focusing on understanding, rather than sympathizing with Trump, Stan has proven his ability to take on tough, thought-provoking roles, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.