Sebastian Stan faced a unique challenge when transitioning from embodying the infamous Donald Trump in The Apprentice to stepping into the shoes of Bucky Barnes in Thunderbolts. It was a shift that required him to dig deep and navigate the complexities of portraying two vastly different characters.
As he wrapped up his work on the Ali Abbasi project set to release on October 11, Stan found himself still clinging to Trump’s mannerisms as they dove into filming Thunderbolts. He admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that traces of his previous role lingered, influencing his performance in subtle yet impactful ways.
“We were in the midst of filming, and I would catch myself doing something, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This character, it’s still a part of me,” Stan shared candidly.
Stan’s portrayal of Trump garnered significant attention from the media, with The Hollywood Reporter praising his ability to not just impersonate but truly embody the character. It was a testament to his dedication and skill as an actor.
The demands of the role presented their own set of challenges for Stan. In preparation for The Apprentice, he underwent a drastic dietary shift, indulging in Coca-Cola and peanut butter and jam sandwiches to achieve the desired weight gain. Reversing this transformation to embody the superhero physique required for Bucky Barnes proved to be a strenuous task.
The hurdles mounted further with the disruptions caused by the writers’ strikes, leading to delays and requiring Stan to navigate fluctuating physical requirements for his character. Despite being in his forties, Stan acknowledged the grueling process of molding his body to fit the superhero mold once again.
The upcoming MCU film, directed by Jake Schreier and penned by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo, is slated for a May 2025 release. A stellar ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus alongside Sebastian Stan promises an exhilarating cinematic experience. As Stan pours his heart and soul into embodying Bucky Barnes, audiences can anticipate a performance that transcends boundaries and resonates with the essence of humanity.
