Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong of The Apprentice have experienced a significant journey. From intense preparation embodying young Donald Trump and Roy Cohn to a Cannes Film Festival premiere filled with anticipation followed by a cease and desist from Trump and silence from U.S. distributors the journey has been eventful. Now with Oscar nominations both actors reflect on the film's path.
They recently spoke with Deadline about navigating the past months the film's place in public consciousness and the meaning of their Oscar nominations in the current political environment for portraying President Trump and his early mentor Cohn.
Sebastian Stan on Audience Reaction and Film's Goal
Stan reflected on the audience's strong response to The Apprentice . He noted it felt like a positive indication because the core message revolves around art's preservation and shared creative expression which goes beyond politics to resonate deeply. Regarding the characters and narrative he believes people have numerous feelings some suppressed and others unexplored. Stan expressed that even after the nominations there's a sense of liberation allowing people to examine and discuss these subjects differently. He feels this aligns with the film's initial purpose.
Stan mentioned thinking of Roy Cohn during an inauguration feeling Cohn's presence hovering.
Jeremy Strong's Perspective: 'More of a Horror Movie'
Strong described his desire to create impactful work that engages with sensitive topics. He acknowledged that while he has been involved in films based on current or historical events none possessed the level of intense and complex power as The Apprentice. Strong feels this intensity has made many uncomfortable.
He recounted a dinner conversation where someone suggested comfort can be detrimental. Strong believes there's merit in films that challenge viewers. He understands reservations about humanizing these characters but quoted William Saroyan emphasizing understanding even those who embody evil. Strong clarified that he views the film not as political propaganda but as character focused study and a relationship study comparing it to a love story like Midnight Cowboy.
Strong elaborated on Roy Cohn's lasting impact observing Cohn's tactics reflected in contemporary society. He recalled watching an inauguration and immediately thinking of Cohn's influence. He noted Trump's responses sometimes mirror Cohn's playbook attack and destroy emphasizing Cohn's belief that "Hate is a powerful weapon." Strong argued Cohn’s principles are deeply embedded in current events.
Beyond the political aspects Strong highlighted his and Stan's aspirations for transformational work referencing films like Mississippi Burning and performances like Ben Kingsley in Gandhi. He stated the Oscar recognition for this type of dedication is profoundly significant.
The Significance of Oscar Nominations and Film's Wider Release
Stan emphasized the importance of the film's character driven approach stating it makes the movie essential. He questioned the lack of role models promoting generosity empathy and compassion contrasting them with caricatures of men driven by blame and aggression. Stan believes understanding these negative traits requires tracing back their origins.
He suggested the film's unsettling nature stems from portraying evil not just as innate but as something that can be created. He thinks the reality is complex and affects everyone.
Strong echoed this sentiment describing the film's increasing horror movie quality particularly in light of recent events. He quoted Cohn's assertion “This is a nation of men not laws” arguing this idea is currently being tested in America and seemingly validated by Trump's actions. Strong described Trump as the ultimate Machiavellian believing “The ends justify the means." He pointed out the film reveals the beginnings of this ideology within the Trump-Cohn relationship.
Deep Dive into Characters and Personal Preservation
Both actors undertook significant character research. Strong jokingly mentioned his recent buzzcut after finishing another role emphasizing his commitment to transformation. He spoke about fully immersing himself in roles embracing the loss of self and the joy of exploring different psyches. Strong mentioned Roy Cohn’s surprising exuberance despite his darkness.
Stan agreed with Strong about the spectrum of human traits within individuals. He highlighted the need to remove personal judgment to embody Trump and isolate himself to build confidence for the role. Stan recognized the danger of quick judgments and stifling instincts. He believes everyone has the capacity for both positive and negative traits and the film reveals these shadows within us.
Strong added to thine own self be not true can lead to terrible outcomes suggesting both characters were escaping inner turmoil and trauma. He connected Cohn's fantasist persona to a denial of reality where truth becomes flexible and dangerous.
Initial Meeting and Collaborative Experience
Recounting their first meeting Stan mentioned it was at a location similar to their characters' first meeting in the film. Strong added they truly connected after filming when Stan attended his play. Strong praised their working relationship emphasizing the freedom trust and shared risks taken during filming describing it as "tandem unicycling on a tightrope over an abyss." He emphasized he could not have done it without Stan.
Stan reciprocated the praise stating he felt fortunate to work with Strong admiring his presence commitment and energy. He highlighted Strong’s ability to elevate the work and bring unpredictability creating something new for both actors.
Strong attributed their freedom in portraying real people to extensive preparation allowing improvisation within a structured understanding of the characters. He believes dedication and internalization allow actors to transform and become authorities on their roles.
What Oscar Buzz Means for 'The Apprentice'
Stan acknowledged uncertainty about awards for such a politically charged role sharing that some predicted the film wouldn't win recognition. However he emphasized the film's importance transcended awards. He believes the Oscar buzz will increase viewership enabling more people to engage with the film and its themes. Stan hopes it encourages viewers to think critically and form their own opinions especially in a world with powerful voices dictating thought.
Strong hopes his role after this is a palette cleanser and mentioned his role as Jon Landau as a positive mentor. Stan mentioned moving onto a new project but expressed a lasting connection to The Apprentice feeling like it's "their child" as it heads out into the world.
Our Take On Sebastian Stan's Oscar Journey
Sebastian Stan 's Oscar nomination for The Apprentice is well-deserved recognition for a performance that required significant depth and courage. The film's journey from challenging production to Oscar buzz highlights its power to provoke discussion and thought. Stan and Strong's insights reveal a film that is not just a political statement but a character study exploring complex themes of ambition power and human nature making it a relevant and perhaps uncomfortable watch for contemporary audiences.