Sebastian Stan’s Journey into the Complex World of Donald Trump

Discovering the Evolution of Trump

Sebastian Stan, the actor known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, delved deep into the world of Donald Trump while preparing to portray him in a film. Stan spent countless hours watching old television interviews and documentaries featuring Trump, and what he discovered was a man far different from the one who has dominated American politics for the past decade. Stan observed that the early Trump, particularly in the 1970s and early 1980s, was a man with a certain idealism. "There is a dreamer there," Stan remarked, reflecting on Trump’s vision for America and New York. This idealistic Trump was someone who believed in the possibilities of what America could become, a stark contrast to the hardened, divisive figure he would later turn into. Stan’s exploration of Trump’s early persona revealed a man with aspirations, someone who saw potential in the world around him.

However, as the 1980s progressed, the Trump portrayed in the film undergoes a significant transformation. He sheds the need for a father figure, which had once driven him, and instead becomes more calculating and ruthless. One of the most striking moments in the film is Trump’s betrayal of Roy Cohn, a gay man dying of AIDS, who had been a mentor to him. This act of betrayal underscores the moral decay and loss of empathy that Trump embodied as he rose to power. Another pivotal scene in the film depicts Trump raping his wife, Ivana. While Ivana later clarified that her words about the incident were not meant to be taken in a literal or criminal sense, the film uses this moment to illustrate the emotional and psychological toll of Trump’s actions on those around him.

The ARCH of Trump’s Transformation

Stan described Trump’s journey as one of gradual dehumanization. “What I’ve always seen in his journey, and certainly what we were exploring in the film,” Stan said, “was the solidifying of a person into stone, the loss of humanity.” This transformation is not just about Trump’s external actions but also about the internal erosion of his capacities for empathy and compassion. The film captures how Trump, over time, shed his idealism and became a figure defined by ambition, greed, and a relentless pursuit of power.

Stan’s portrayal of Trump is not just about mimicking his mannerisms or speech patterns; it’s about capturing the inner transformation that turned a man with dreams into a symbol of division and controversy. The film suggests that Trump’s rise to power came at the cost of his humanity, leaving behind the idealistic man he once was. This narrative is both a critique of Trump’s trajectory and a reflection on the broader themes of ambition, power, and the loss of empathy in American culture.

Unraveling the Humanity in Trump

When Stan was offered the role of Trump three years ago, he was already making a name for himself as an actor willing to take on complex, real-life figures. Before playing Trump, Stan had appeared in roles such as Jeff Gillooly, the ex-husband of Tonya Harding who orchestrated the infamous attack on Nancy Kerrigan in I, Tonya, and Tommy Lee, the Mötley Crüe drummer and ex-husband of Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy. These roles, like Trump, were based on real people who dominated the tabloid headlines of the 1990s.

Stan’s willingness to play these roles, including Trump, was influenced by his experience in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Playing Bucky Barnes, a character with a rich emotional arc, allowed Stan to explore the complexities of a man struggling with his past and his identity. “The Marvel of it all,” as Stan put it, gave him the platform to take on riskier roles. While Bucky Barnes provided him with stability and recognition, it also gave him the freedom to seek out characters who were the “core opposite” of his Marvel persona.

Despite this, Stan was initially hesitant to take on the role of Trump. He sought advice from industry professionals, including a studio executive and a casting director, who warned him against playing such a polarizing figure. However, Stan ultimately decided to accept the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity for artistic growth. For him, the role of Trump represented a chance to delve into the complexities of a man whose journey from idealism to controversy has shaped American culture.

The Impact of a Marvelous Career

Sebastian Stan’s career trajectory is a testament to his versatility as an actor. His role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only established him as a household name but also gave him the creative freedom to explore more challenging roles. Stan has often spoken about how playing Bucky allowed him to “survive” in the competitive world of acting while also providing him with the opportunity to explore deeper, more complex characters.

In many ways, Stan’s experience with Marvel prepared him for the role of Donald Trump. Playing a character like Bucky, who is both a hero and a villain, depending on the circumstances, taught Stan how to navigate the moral ambiguity of complex characters. This skill was essential when portraying Trump, a man whose legacy is defined by both his charisma and his controversies. Stan’s ability to find the humanity in even the most flawed characters is a hallmark of his acting style, and it is this approach that he brought to his portrayal of Trump.

Diving into Tabloid Fame and Complexity

Stan’s roles in I, Tonya and Pam & Tommy also played a significant role in shaping his approach to playing Trump. Both films were based on real-life figures who dominated the tabloid headlines of the 1990s. Jeff Gillooly, Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, was a man caught up in a scandal that captivated the nation, while Tommy Lee’s infamous sex tape and tumultuous relationship with Pamela Anderson became the stuff of pop culture legend.

These roles taught Stan how to capture the essence of real people who had become larger-than-life figures in the media. He learned how to balance the sensational aspects of their stories with the complexities of their humanity. This experience was invaluable when it came to playing Trump, a man who has been both a tabloid fixture and a political powerhouse. By focusing on the human side of these characters, Stan aimed to create portrayals that were both authentic and nuanced.

Embracing Risk for Artistic Growth

Despite the risks, Stan ultimately decided to take on the role of Trump because he saw it as an opportunity to challenge himself as an actor. He was drawn to the complexity of Trump’s character and the chance to explore the man behind the headlines. Stan’s decision to play Trump was not taken lightly, and he acknowledges that it was a risky move. However, he believes that taking risks is essential for artistic growth.

Throughout his career, Stan has proven time and again that he is willing to push boundaries and take on roles that challenge him. From the troubled figure of Bucky Barnes to the flawed but fascinating characters of Jeff Gillooly and Tommy Lee, Stan has consistently sought out roles that allow him to explore the depths of human nature. His portrayal of Trump is the latest chapter in this journey, a testament to his commitment to his craft and his willingness to take on the most challenging roles.

By stepping into the shoes of Donald Trump, Sebastian Stan is not only offering a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most controversial figures but also challenging audiences to see Trump in a new light. His performance is not just about impersonation; it’s about capturing the essence of a man whose journey from idealism to controversy has shaped the cultural landscape of America.