It’s amazing what can happen in a couple of years, as Sebastian Stan can attest to. The Oscar-nominated actor portrayed Donald Trump on The Apprentice two years ago. Months after that film came out, the real estate mogul won a second term as President.
The Romanian-born actor is at the Cannes Film Festival to promote his upcoming film, Fjord. He was asked about how his understanding of Trump has changed in the intervening time. His initial reaction was to shake his head while the room burst into laughter. He then looked back, saying, “It’s just not a laughing matter, to be honest.”
The actor says “we’re in a really, really bad place”
A lot has changed in the US since The Apprentice came out, and according to Sebastian, it’s not necessarily for the better. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, “I think we’re in a really, really bad place. I really do.” Sebastian believes the media has been consolidated, and, with all the threats, censorship, and lawsuits that’ve transpired in the President’s second term, he thinks “the writing was on the wall.”
Looking back, Sebastian admits they were very uneasy about what kind of attention and success the film might have. He says they eventually followed through and put it up at the Cannes Festival before promoting it elsewhere. “I wish it wasn’t like that,” said Sebastian.
The film was not a huge box-office success, grossing less than $20 million. It did, however, get plenty of critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Palme d’Or in Cannes. Both Sebastian and Jeremy Strong earned nominations at the Golden Globes and Oscars.
The idea of censorship and media consolidation under the current POTUS has been a prominent topic this year. The arrest of Don Lemon, who has publicly blasted Trump before, has become a hot topic. His arrest earlier this year was seen by many as a violation of the First Amendment. Don’s lawyer called out the President. Don is currently facing charges of conspiracy to deprive rights, among other things.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK SEBASTIAN STAN HAS ANY REGRETS TAKING ON THE ROLE OF DONALD TRUMP?
