Jeremy Strong Reflects on Playing Roy Cohn in Trump Biopic 'The Apprentice'

The actor discusses the film's evolving resonance, its limited release, and the challenges of portraying a controversial figure.

Jeremy Strong, nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Roy Cohn, reflects on the deeper relevance of the Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' following Trump's reelection.
The film, which explores Donald Trump's early mentorship under Cohn, faced distribution challenges in the U.S. and premiered shortly before the 2024 presidential election.
Strong expressed disappointment that the movie's limited release may have prevented it from influencing younger, undecided voters during the election.
Describing the film as a 'horror movie,' Strong highlighted its depiction of Cohn's philosophy, including the idea that America is 'a nation of men, not laws.'
Strong acknowledged that portraying Cohn offered a nuanced perspective on Trump, emphasizing the importance of suspending judgment to understand complex characters.