Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 17, 2024 5:52 am GMT
Sebastian Stan is making waves as he dives into two very different roles: a young Donald Trump and beloved comic book hero Bucky Barnes. In a recent interview, Stan discussed how his portrayal of Trump in the film The Apprentice has influenced his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This revelation raises intriguing questions about the connection between the two diverse characters.
From Trump to Thunderbolts
In his chat with British GQ, Stan highlighted how he carried some mannerisms from The Apprentice into his role as Bucky Barnes in the upcoming Thunderbolts film. “I went off to Marvel after The Apprentice,” he said, noting the overlap was inescapable. “I would do something, a thing or two, and be like, ‘F—! This is still living somewhere.’”
- The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi, examines Donald Trump’s ascent in the real estate world during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Stan dons heavy prosthetics and a memorable golden toupee to portray Trump.
- The film has generated buzz for its provocative portrayal of the controversial figure.
Challenges of the Role
Stan admitted that he had doubts about taking on the role of Trump. “It’s funny, I felt similarly about a few things I’ve worked on,” he shared. Critics and even friends warned him against playing such a polarizing character. “I had people tell me I don’t look like him. I had people tell me that it’s not safe for me to do it,” Stan confessed.
Despite the skepticism, Stan took the plunge, believing in the significance of the story. “There are always risks with these kinds of roles,” he explained, adding that he ultimately felt it was important to portray a complex character like Trump.
The Thunderbolts Team Up
In Thunderbolts, which hits theaters on May 2, 2025, Stan’s character reunites with a diverse cast of morally ambiguous heroes, including:
- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
- Red Guardian (David Harbour)
- John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
- Antonia Dreykov (Olga Kurylenko)
- Bob (Lewis Pullman)
The film, directed by Jake Schreier, is expected to mix action and character-driven drama, continuing the legacy of the Marvel franchise while introducing new challenges.
Getting in Shape
Preparing for Thunderbolts involved some significant physical changes. Stan worked hard to lose weight gained while portraying Trump. “I just worked pretty hard to get in shape here!” he exclaimed. This transition shows Stan’s commitment to his craft and his desire to embody each character authentically.
However, production faced delays due to strikes by writers and actors last summer, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release. Stan reflected, “I’m f—in’ 41,” emphasizing the extra effort it takes to maintain his physique at his age.
The Anticipated Release of The Apprentice
Fans can look forward to The Apprentice, which premieres in theaters on October 11, 2023. The film presents a gritty origin story for Trump and features Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Trump’s mentor in the real estate world. Critics have already begun to discuss the film’s potential impact on public perceptions of the former president.
The standing ovation received at Cannes speaks volumes about the film’s reception. Seeing over 2,000 attendees recognize the film for its bold storytelling showcases the intrigue surrounding Trump’s story.
Stan’s Future in Marvel
As he moves forward in the Marvel universe, Stan also expressed excitement about the possibility of sharing the screen with Robert Downey Jr. in upcoming Avengers films. “I hope I’m in a scene with him,” Stan said about Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. His admiration highlights the camaraderie and excitement actors feel working within the vast Marvel landscape.
Conclusion
Sebastian Stan has had an interesting journey in acting. He went from playing a young Donald Trump to taking on the famous role of Bucky Barnes. With the new show *The Apprentice* coming out and the movie *Thunderbolts* on the way, fans can look forward to exciting stories that deal with tough topics and fun comic book adventures. Stan’s ability to play different characters shows how actors can bring many kinds of people to life and make a lasting impression on their audience.
