In a conversation with the Hollywood Reporter at the BFI London Film Festival premiere, the actor, aged 42, portraying Trump, discussed the film that showcases Trump’s rise during the 1970s and ’80s in New York.
With the release of the film on Oct. 11 and the upcoming US presidential election on Nov. 5, it sparked a debate on whether this film could potentially impact Trump’s presidential run.
Sebastian expressed to THR, “I am uncertain, but my hope is that regardless of their stance, people will be intrigued enough to delve deeper. I believe we live in a world where it’s all too easy to be given an opinion at every turn.”
Let’s engage in a discussion about the 2024 Election.
Sebastian further stated, “I am aware that many people are fond of social media and turn to it for information and news. They’re being dictated what to think and what to do.”
Per the synopsis, the film traces the journey of a young Trump who falls under the influence of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the ruthless lawyer who played a significant role in shaping the Donald Trump we are familiar with today. The film has so far received a critic rating of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85% from viewers.
The star of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier encouraged viewers to research Trump independently, hoping the film will spark that interest. “If you have even the slightest curiosity, take a moment to really question: ‘Who is this man? Do you truly know him? Can you trust this individual to lead a nation?'”
“He has been trying to suppress this movie while claiming to respect free speech. … I can’t think of anything more contradictory,” said Sebastian. “So, in the end, it’s about his character.”
“Set politics aside and trust your instincts. Ask yourself: Do you trust this man? That’s the essence of the movie.”
Sebastian might be referring to a statement by Trump’s campaign following the premiere of The Apprentice at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in May. Steven Cheung, on behalf of the Trump team, issued a statement to Variety threatening a lawsuit over “the blatantly false claims from these pretend filmmakers.”
Ali Abbasi, the director of The Apprentice, responded to the threats of legal action at a Cannes Film Festival press conference in May, stating, “I mean, everyone talks about him suing a lot of people — they don’t mention his success rate, though, you know?”
On Oct. 13, Trump posted on Truth Social that the film was a “phony and low-grade” film, hoping it would be a box office failure. “It’s a cheap, defamatory, and politically repugnant hatchet job, released just before the 2024 Presidential Election, in an attempt to damage the Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country, ‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'”
In response, Gabriel, the film’s screenwriter, told THR, “It’s not surprising [that Trump lashed out]… You’ve seen the film, the first lesson that Roy Cohn teaches him is: attack, attack, attack. So Trump hasn’t seen the movie, but he’s clearly following the rules that are in the movie.”
Are you planning to watch The Apprentice? Or have you already seen it? I am eager to hear your thoughts. Please share them in the comments.
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