Sebastian Stan’s decision to play Donald Trump in The Apprentice was nothing short of audacious. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film explored Trump’s controversial rise to power, spotlighting some of the most contentious and polarizing aspects of his life. From alleged drug use to personal scandals, the movie didn’t shy away from hard-hitting topics that promised to spark debate.
The portrayal earned Stan praise for his transformative performance. Yet, the role came at a steep price: industry backlash. Stan revealed during a screening of the film that his involvement had deterred many of his Hollywood peers from standing by his side.
Abandoned When It Mattered Most
During The Apprentice screening, Stan shared a candid and disheartening anecdote: his colleagues’ reluctance to associate with him. Speaking about an opportunity to participate in Variety’s coveted Actor on Actor series, Stan disclosed that he couldn’t find another actor willing to join him for the interview.
“You know I had an offer to do Variety Actor on Actor this Friday, and I couldn’t find another actor to do it with me because they were too afraid to go and talk about this movie,” Stan revealed.
While he refrained from naming names, Stan indicated that publicists representing potential collaborators viewed the film as too risky. This hesitancy even extended to his MCU co-stars—icons like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Mark Ruffalo, who have previously graced the Variety platform together.
For Stan, the lack of support was palpable. Despite years of camaraderie forged on the sets of Marvel films, his political drama seemed to be a line his colleagues were unwilling to cross.
The Apprentice: A Film Marred by Challenges
Sebastian Stan and Ali Abbasi didn’t just face industry pushback—they also confronted significant hurdles during the making and release of The Apprentice. The biopic nearly failed to secure a distributor and faced legal threats from Donald Trump’s team. A cease-and-desist letter accused the filmmakers of defamation, citing scenes depicting Trump in an unflattering light, including alleged amphetamine use and incidents from his personal life.
Undeterred, the team pressed on, ultimately releasing the film on October 11. However, the timing—ahead of Election Day—invited even more scrutiny. Trump himself lambasted the movie on his Truth Social platform, branding it “fake and classless.”
“So sad that HUMAN SCUM, like the people involved in this hopefully unsuccessful enterprise, are allowed to say and do whatever they want in order to hurt a Political Movement,” Trump wrote.
Despite the noise, the movie’s box office performance reflected the uphill battle it faced. With an opening weekend gross of $1.6 million against a projected $3 million, the film struggled to find its footing, earning just $9 million on a $16 million budget.
When Hollywood Shies Away from Controversy
Stan’s ordeal underscores a stark reality in Hollywood: while art often imitates life, engaging with contentious subject matter can isolate even the most established stars. While the MCU has its share of powerful allies, Stan learned the hard way that not all friendships extend beyond the silver screen.
For audiences, however, The Apprentice offers a different takeaway. The film dares to tackle thorny issues, pushing viewers to reflect on the complexities of power, politics, and humanity. For Stan, it’s a testament to his commitment to roles that challenge and provoke, even if it means standing alone.
Sebastian Stan’s experience with The Apprentice serves as a reminder of the volatile interplay between Hollywood and politics. While his performance as Donald Trump is undeniably bold, the actor’s struggle to find support highlights the risks of diving headfirst into polarizing narratives.
In an industry that thrives on storytelling, Stan has proven his willingness to take risks—an attribute that, in time, may redefine his legacy. Whether audiences see him as a trailblazer or a cautionary tale, one thing is clear: Sebastian Stan isn’t afraid to stand alone.