Sebastian Stan Takes on the Role of Donald Trump in ‘The Apprentice’
Sebastian Stan is making waves as he steps into one of his most unexpected roles yet portraying former President Donald Trump in the upcoming movie The Apprentice.
A recently released teaser trailer, shared on September 3, showcases the 42-year-old Marvel star in a striking transformation as the young Trump during his rise in the real estate world of the 1970s and 1980s.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump
In the teaser, Stan can be seen embodying Trump in a light beige suit paired with a matching vest and tie over a crisp white shirt. His co-star Jeremy Strong, known for Succession, plays the role of Trump’s lawyer and mentor, Roy Cohn.
In a memorable scene set inside a car, Trump (Stan) takes a phone call, beginning with, Yes, hello Judy, this is Donald Trump… very excited, very excited to talk to you. With Strong’s character coaching him through the conversation, Stan channels Trump’s characteristic bravado, saying,
Well, I intend to acquire the Commodore, and I’m planning on making it the best and finest building in the city maybe the country in the world!
The scene, complete with Stan wearing a signature blonde wig, highlights the transformation that viewers can expect from the actor, whose previous roles have primarily focused on action-packed heroism.
A Glimpse Into Trump’s Rise in Real Estate
Directed by Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice takes audiences on a journey through Donald Trump’s ambitious ventures in New York City real estate. The film captures the young business mogul’s relentless drive and bold persona as he sought to reshape the skyline with landmark buildings like the Commodore Hotel.
The storyline offers an intimate look at the former president long before his political career, focusing on his partnership with the influential but controversial Cohn, a key figure in Trump’s early success.
The film had its premiere earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, signaling strong early praise. Following the festival, Briarcliff Entertainment picked up the film for distribution, and it’s set to release in theaters on October 11.
Maria Bakalova as Ivanka Trump
In addition to Stan and Strong, the film features Maria Bakalova in the role of Ivanka Trump. While her role hasn’t been heavily featured in teasers,
Bakalova’s portrayal of Trump’s eldest daughter is expected to shed light on their family dynamics during Trump’s early business years. Bakalova, best known for her breakout role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, adds another layer of talent to the ensemble cast.
Industry Response and Release Strategy
The Apprentice arrives at a politically charged moment, with its release set just before the 2024 presidential elections. As Trump, now a Republican candidate, continues to dominate headlines, the timing of the film is significant.
According to insiders, some distribution companies were hesitant to take on the project, fearing potential backlash if Trump were to be re-elected. A distribution executive commented on this, noting, Any company with plans to merge or acquire might hesitate, as there’s a possibility Trump’s administration could react negatively if he’s elected.
Despite these concerns, Briarcliff Entertainment secured the rights, ensuring that The Apprentice will hit theaters at a crucial time in U.S. politics.
From TV Show Host to Presidential Candidate
While The Apprentice delves into Trump’s early real estate career, it shares a name with the reality TV show that helped catapult Trump to mainstream fame.
The original The Apprentice featured a diverse cast of candidates, competing in rigorous business tasks under Trump’s watchful eye. The series became a cultural phenomenon, known for its intense boardroom showdowns and Trump’s iconic phrase, You’re fired!
Stan’s portrayal of Trump, however, focuses on a much earlier time in his life—long before his television and political careers.
A High-Stakes Election Season
The timing of The Apprentice coincides with the 2024 presidential election season, This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film, as viewers will undoubtedly be curious about how it might influence, or reflect, the current political climate.
With a star-studded cast, an acclaimed director, and a timely release, The Apprentice is shaping up to be a compelling exploration of Trump’s early years in business. Fans of both Sebastian Stan and political dramas are sure to be drawn to this film as it hits theaters on October 11.
