Sebastian Stan from 'The Apprentice' shares what he depended on to portray a young Donald Trump: 'Instinct is key'

Sebastian Stan has embodied a diverse spectrum of roles throughout his career, yet arguably his most audacious portrayal unfolds this weekend. He steps into the shoes of a young and ambitious Donald Trump in the freshly released film "The Apprentice."

This cinematic endeavor also stars the acclaimed Jeremy Strong, renowned for his role in "Succession," as Trump's former confidant and legal advisor, Roy Cohn. Accompanying them is Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova, who takes on the role of Ivana Trump. To encapsulate Trump’s formative years, Stan meticulously studied the backdrop of his character’s early life.

"Instinct is paramount, as is collaboration," Stan conveyed during a conversation with CNN. "One must delve into the essence of the narrative and the character, devoid of prejudice, embracing all the virtues, vices, and complexities."

Stan found it necessary to extricate himself from the "clamor" surrounding the ex-president and present Republican contender in the imminent election. "Detachment from fear and the cacophony enveloping us is essential," he explained regarding how he concentrated on his depiction.

Roy Cohn, a figure often revisited in various media, was depicted by Will Brill in the Emmy-nominated "Fellow Travelers" and by Al Pacino in HBO's lauded miniseries "Angels in America." Strong approached Cohn’s character through a process of "osmosis," immersing himself in an exhaustive study of the late attorney.

"You become consumed until it possesses you," Strong told CNN, mentioning he scrutinized countless videos of Cohn. "His gaze, his demeanor, those cold, calculating eyes, and the inner turmoil—his soul, denial, animosity, and vitriol."

"It’s not a deliberate transformation," he elaborated. "The task is to comprehend these personas holistically and multidimensionally, allowing it to flow naturally when the cameras roll."

Naturally, "The Apprentice" has stirred controversy. CNN reported during its Cannes Film Festival debut in May that Trump’s team contemplated legal action concerning its release and distribution.

"This drivel is sheer fabrication, sensationalizing debunked falsehoods," stated Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, in a comment to CNN.

Ali Abbasi, the film’s director, pondered if American audiences would ever witness the film. Surprisingly, the external pressures of distribution weren't his primary hurdles while crafting "The Apprentice."

"The most formidable challenge was structuring the narrative," he remarked, highlighting its expansive nature with numerous significant characters.

Abbasi resolved to concentrate on the core relationship between the characters portrayed by Stan and Strong. "Our focus was this pivotal, transformational relationship between him and Roy, observing his evolution into the figure recognized today," he stated. "This thread became central, organizing the entire storyline, proving invaluable."

"The Apprentice" is currently gracing theaters.