Sebastian Stan revealed a unique approach to preparing for his role as Donald Trump in a new biopic, “The Apprentice.” The Marvel actor shared that he ate ramen with a generous amount of soy sauce to help “puff up” his face for the character.
In “The Apprentice,” Stan portrays a young version of the former president as he navigates the New York real estate scene and seeks guidance from mentor Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong from “Succession.” Discussing the physical transformation for the role, director Ali Abbasi highlighted the delicate balance they aimed for in creating Trump’s look without veering into parody.
Stan explained that as they approached shooting, they hadn’t settled on using prosthetics. It was then that Abbasi suggested Stan gain weight in his face to reflect Trump’s older appearance realistically. Following a nutritionist’s advice, Stan incorporated high levels of sodium into his diet by consuming ramen with plenty of soy sauce to achieve the desired effect.
“The Apprentice” is scheduled for release in US cinemas on October 11th after facing challenges in securing a distributor or streaming deal, despite early critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s portrayal of Trump, complete with controversial scenes, drew attention and some backlash.
Allegations within the biopic include unflattering depictions of Trump using drugs and undergoing cosmetic procedures, as well as a controversial scene involving the alleged rape of his first wife, Ivana. Trump’s campaign responded to the film with a cease-and-desist letter, denouncing it as “pure fiction” and claiming it was part of an attempt at election interference.
In response, the film’s producers defended their work as a balanced portrayal of the former president and urged viewers to make their judgments after watching the movie. The clash between the film and Trump’s campaign underscores the contentious nature of depicting real-life political figures on screen.
As debates around the accuracy and fairness of such portrayals continue, “The Apprentice” stands at the intersection of artistic interpretation, political commentary, and the ongoing scrutiny of public figures. The film’s release is poised to spark further discussion and critique within both the entertainment industry and political spheres.