Sebastian Stan Faces Industry Pushback for Bold Role in 'The Apprentice'

Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump in the controversial biopic has drawn acclaim but also hesitancy from peers and challenges during awards season.

Sebastian Stan received critical acclaim for his performances in 2024's 'The Apprentice' and 'A Different Man,' earning Golden Globe nominations for both roles and winning Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for the latter.
In 'The Apprentice,' Stan plays a fictionalized 1970s-era Donald Trump, a role he described as risky and emotionally demanding due to the ongoing relevance of its subject.
Stan revealed that his participation in Variety's 'Actors on Actors' was hindered because other actors were unwilling to discuss the film, highlighting hesitancy within the industry to engage with its controversial themes.
Scheduling conflicts with 'The Apprentice' prevented Stan from starring in 'The Brutalist,' a film now seen as an Oscar frontrunner, though he expressed no regrets about the decision.
Stan faced physical and psychological challenges transitioning between 'The Apprentice' and his Marvel role in 'Thunderbolts,' underscoring his dedication to diverse and demanding projects.