First Glimpse of Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in Controversial Film “The Apprentice”
A new one-minute clip from “The Apprentice,” the highly anticipated film dramatizing former President Donald Trump’s rise to fame in New York’s real estate scene during the 1970s, has been released, offering a first look at Sebastian Stan portraying Trump. The clip has already generated significant buzz, particularly due to the legal threats from Trump’s team who have threatened to sue over the movie’s content.
In this brief but compelling clip, Stan’s Trump is seen engaging in a phone conversation with a reporter, believed to be a reference to Judy Klemesrud, a New York Times journalist who profiled Trump in 1976. Stan’s portrayal shows Trump discussing his ambitious plans for the Commodore Hotel, aiming to transform it into the “finest building in the world.” His voice in the scene is notably less exaggerated than the comedic parodies seen on shows like “Saturday Night Live,” aligning more closely with Stan’s own vocal tones.
The scene also features Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Trump’s former lawyer and mentor. Cohn is depicted guiding Trump through the call, using exaggerated gestures and eventually taking control of the conversation, emphasizing the importance of meeting in person. This moment highlights the dynamic between Trump and Cohn, showcasing Cohn’s influence over Trump during his early career.
The clip reflects one of Trump’s real-life quotes, where he emphasized his “flair” as a key to his success in New York, a detail that adds authenticity to the portrayal. The clip is a taste of what’s to come in a film that’s already generating controversy for its depiction of Trump’s life, particularly scenes that have reportedly shocked audiences, such as those involving liposuction and a portrayal of the assault allegations made by Ivana Trump during their divorce proceedings.
Crucial Quote:
“I intend to acquire the Commodore, and I’m planning on making it the best and the finest building in the city, maybe the country. In the world, Judy, in the world, it’s going to be the finest building in the world, it’s going to be a spectacular hotel, absolutely spectacular,” says Stan’s Trump in the clip, as Strong’s Cohn gestures enthusiastically.
Background:
“The Apprentice” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and received an eight-minute standing ovation despite its controversial content. The film includes scenes that depict Trump in a less than flattering light, such as a liposuction surgery and a portrayal of an alleged sexual assault, both of which have contributed to its polarizing reception. Despite initial struggles to find a U.S. distributor due to its provocative nature, Briarcliff Entertainment secured distribution rights in August, three months after its Cannes debut.
What Has Trump Said About ‘The Apprentice?’
Following the film’s premiere at Cannes, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, labeled the movie as “garbage” and “pure fiction,” threatening legal action against the filmmakers. The film’s director, Ali Abbasi, responded by downplaying Trump’s history of legal threats, suggesting that the film is more about examining the nature of power in America rather than serving as a straightforward Trump biopic.
Tangent:
The Commodore Hotel, a historic property in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Terminal, was acquired by Trump in 1976. It underwent a $100 million renovation and reopened as the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980, with Trump receiving a significant 40-year tax abatement for the project—an unprecedented move at the time.
What to Watch For:
“The Apprentice” is set to open in theaters on October 11, just weeks before Trump faces off against Vice President Kamala Harris on Election Day. The film’s release timing and controversial content are likely to keep it in the spotlight as the election approaches.
