Sebastian Stan: What I Learnt About Trump While Playing Him

In The Apprentice (2024), we see a different side of Donald J. Trump before his political career and real estate empire. As a young, ambitious heir, he prowls Manhattan's cocktail lounges, where he meets Roy Cohn, a well-connected attorney. Their friendship, as Cohn shapes Trump, is central to the film, which explores how Trump became who he is, his guiding principles, and his drive for wealth and power.

Josh Glancy, editor of News Review at The Sunday Times, interviewed Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, who portray Cohn and Trump, to learn what they discovered about Trump.

Head of Style video: Josh Arnold.
Production manager: Sarah Barnes.
SOUND OPERATOR: ALEX MILSOM
Director of photography: Leo Element.
SECOND CAMERA: ASH DAVIS
Edit: Maria Armengou and Richard Simkins

chapters
00:00 - Trump's reaction and film introduction
00:46 - Early life and meeting Roy Cohn
01:32 - Core themes and controversial moments
02:18 - Historical accuracy and timing
03:30 - Humanising Trump and motivations
05:26 - Roy Cohn's influence
07:10 - Conclusion and critique

[PatFrenchLeafsFan]

I think that Sebastian should host SNL and play the ghost of 1980s Trump to warn JAJ's present Trump. Even mentioning Phil Hartman's Trump impression in his monologue would be touching including mentioning his mural was made before the election and claim that seeing Phil as Trump helped him out.

[calvinray]

I'm taking a big group of adult students to see the Apprentice tomorrow night. More's the pity that we can't vote in your election as the actions of the Americans affect the whole planet- for good or bad. Kamala is the future. Trump is the past.

[RobertMcLean-nl]

Why do actors often align themselves with the political messages of their characters and strive to embody those roles in their personal lives? Is this driven by personal beliefs, industry pressures, financial motivations, or perhaps even ego? After all, fame can be quite compelling, and they may relish the spotlight as they seek to make the most of their moment in the sun. But why do we care about their opinions on these matters? If they are professionals in their craft, their views on social or political issues should be irrelevant to their roles, as their expertise lies in performance, not in the complexities of these subjects.

[honeyday]

He was triggered because the film portrayed his life incorrectly. According to him it misrepresents his deceased ex wife. He’s allowed to have an opinion.