Sebastian Stan, who is set to play Donald Trump in Ali Abbasi’s upcoming film The Apprentice, has made a statement defending the controversial former president. “I think there’s a Trump in all of us to some degree,” the actor said during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
He acknowledged that this is not a popular sentiment and that people would be reluctant to accept it, but he explained the reasons behind his claim.
The Apprentice follows the journey of a young Trump, played by Jeremy Strong, to power in politics under his mentor, the infamous Roy Cohn. Peeling back the layers of the men’s personalities was eye-opening for the actors and creators — something they also want audiences to take away.
“It’s important for us to perhaps explore those deeper elements that live within all of us,” said Steyn. Bringing those elements to light rather than suppressing them and making connections will illuminate one’s personality. The actor explained, “I think that’s where the value is because I don’t think anyone is holding the moral high ground.”
The Pam and Tommy actors would like to teach one of Trump’s qualities: his constant need to win despite all odds. Stan said, “I understood the drive to move forward, to prevail, to win at any cost. I understood it from my own very small, humble beginnings with the American dream.” He further said that he found this sentiment relevant.
The story may be layered, but the subject matter remains controversial. Many critics have rebelled against the film and many Trump supporters have alleged that the portrayal of the former president is highly exaggerated and far from reality. However, the film’s director Abbasi believes that it has the potential to reconnect people with their humanity. He said, “They think he’s either the son of God or he’s the incarnation of Lucifer, and I think we need to bring him back down to earth in hopes of understanding.”
The Apprentice will hit theaters on October 17.
