Sebastian Stan underwent a remarkable transformation to portray former US President Donald Trump in Ali Abbassi’s upcoming biographical drama, The Apprentice. What’s even more fascinating is that the actor achieved the bloated face appearance without the use of fake prosthetics. Instead, he embarked on a rather unconventional journey guided by a nutritionist’s advice.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stan shared Abbassi’s humorous request for him to plump up his cheeks for the role. The director playfully pointed out that, unlike his Marvel superhero roles, age had given Stan more defined cheekbones. This led to Stan seeking the expertise of a trusted nutritionist he had worked with in the past. “How do I quickly get bloating in my face?” he inquired, setting the stage for an unexpected dietary experiment.
Given Trump’s abstinence from alcohol, traditional methods of inducing weight gain were off the table. After careful consideration, the nutritionist proposed a rather peculiar solution – a concoction of ramen noodles drenched in copious amounts of soy sauce. “You’re going to get the salt in the face,” the nutritionist assured Stan, setting the actor on a salty path to physical transformation.
The journey towards finalizing Stan’s physical metamorphosis was no small feat, marked by ongoing debates with Abbassi leading up to the film’s production. While it was clear that Stan didn’t perfectly resemble the former president from every angle, both artist and director were determined to steer clear of excessive prosthetic enhancements. “I wanted to go for the essence,” Stan explained, advocating for a less-is-more approach that prioritized capturing Trump’s persona over a mere likeness.
Initially hesitant to veer away from a hyper-realistic portrayal, Abbassi eventually embraced the idea of a more natural makeover. Recognizing Trump as a larger-than-life figure, the director understood the pitfalls of excessive imitation, wary of slipping into parody. Instead, the focus shifted towards embodying the essence of the character, steering clear of caricature and embracing authenticity.
The eagerly anticipated biopic, The Apprentice, is set to hit theaters on October 17, promising a unique and captivating portrayal of a polarizing figure in American politics. Through a blend of dedication, creativity, and a touch of dietary experimentation, Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump is sure to captivate audiences with its human-centered approach and emotional depth.
