Recent comments by Sebastian Stan, the actor who portrayed a young Donald Trump in the 2024 biographical drama The Apprentice, have sparked significant interest, particularly given their timing and context. This report provides a detailed examination of Stan’s remarks, where he called Trump a “narcissist” and speculated on Trump’s viewing habits of the film, based on current news coverage and public statements as of April 24, 2025. The analysis aims to clarify the nature of Stan’s criticism, explore the background of the film, and address the user’s mention of Stan betting Trump saw something 100 times.
Key Points
- Research suggests Sebastian Stan criticized Donald Trump, calling him a “narcissist.”
- It seems likely Stan bet Trump watched The Apprentice 100 times due to narcissism.
- The evidence leans toward this being part of Stan’s reflections on Trump’s character.
Background
Sebastian Stan, known for portraying Donald Trump in the 2024 film The Apprentice, made comments about Trump’s personality and behavior in a recent interview.
Stan’s Comments
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan called Trump a “narcissist” and suggested he likely watched The Apprentice 100 times, saying, “I would put money down he’s seen it 100 fucking times, of course, because he’s a narcissist.”
Context
These remarks were made in the context of the film’s portrayal of Trump’s early career, which has been controversial, especially given Trump’s public criticism of the film as “a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.”
Project Overview
Sebastian Stan, a 42-year-old actor known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier and recent performances in Pam & Tommy and A Different Man, starred as Donald Trump in The Apprentice. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, explores Trump’s early career as a real estate businessman in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on his relationship with attorney Roy Cohn. Released on October 11, 2024, the film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, and received critical acclaim, earning Stan an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, alongside Jeremy Strong’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film has been controversial, particularly due to scenes depicting Trump’s personal life, including a controversial portrayal of his relationship with his first wife, Ivana, which Trump has vocally opposed. Trump’s legal team attempted to block its release, and he described it as “election interference by Hollywood elites” on his Truth Social platform, calling it “a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job” less than a month before the 2024 election.
Stan’s Criticism and Narcissism Comment
In a cover story interview with Vanity Fair published on April 22, 2025, Stan made strong remarks about Trump, stating, “I would put money down he’s seen it 100 fucking times, of course, because he’s a narcissist.” This comment was part of a broader discussion about Trump’s potential reaction to the film, with Stan adding, “And I bet you there’s certain things he likes about it.” When asked what those might be, Stan replied, “How he looked,” suggesting Trump’s narcissistic tendencies would lead him to focus on his appearance in the film.
This statement aligns with Stan’s previous comments about Trump, where he has called him “hypocritical” for trying to censor the film and a “paranoid, scared little man” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on November 5, 2024, ahead of the election. The narcissism remark, however, is particularly pointed, reflecting Stan’s interpretation of Trump’s character based on his research and portrayal.
Addressing the “100 Times” Bet
The user’s mention of Stan betting that Trump “saw the trainee about 100 times” seems to be a miscommunication, likely referring to Trump watching The Apprentice 100 times, as evidenced by the Vanity Fair quote. Stan’s comment, “I would put money down he’s seen it 100 fucking times,” is a hyperbolic expression of his belief that Trump’s narcissism would drive him to repeatedly watch the film, possibly out of fascination with his own image. This fits the context of the film’s release and Trump’s public persona, known for self-promotion and media attention.
Film Context and Controversy
The Apprentice has been a lightning rod for controversy, not only due to its subject matter but also its timing, releasing during an election cycle that saw Trump re-elected. Stan’s portrayal has been praised for its depth, with critics noting his physical transformation, including prosthetics, wigs, and a diet heavy on soy sauce and ramen to gain weight in his face, as mentioned in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on October 4, 2024. However, the film’s depiction of Trump, including scenes of alleged abuse, has drawn ire from Trump’s supporters and legal team, contributing to the tension around Stan’s comments.
Stan’s remarks also come in the context of industry backlash, as he revealed in January 2025 that he was shunned by fellow actors for starring in the film, unable to find a partner for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series due to Trump’s fury over the biopic, as reported by BuzzFeed on January 14, 2025.
Actor Background and Representation
To provide a fuller picture, here is a detailed profile of Sebastian Stan, including his representation and upcoming projects, highlighting his suitability for making such public statements:
| Detail | Sebastian Stan |
|---|---|
| Role in Film | Donald Trump in The Apprentice (2024) |
| Upcoming Projects | – Thunderbolts (2025, MCU) – The Apprentice VOD |
| Notable Past Work | – Captain America series (MCU) – Pam & Tommy (2022) |
| Additional Notes | Represented by WME, known for transformative roles |
This table underscores Stan’s platform and experience, reinforcing the significance of his comments.
Public and Industry Reaction
Stan’s narcissism comment has been widely reported, with headlines like “Sebastian Stan Bets Donald Trump Has Watched The Apprentice ‘100 Times’, Calls Him A ‘Narcissist’” by News18 on April 23, 2025, and “Sebastian Stan Thinks President Donald Trump Saw ‘The Apprentice’ Movie ‘100 F***ing Times’” by The Daily Beast on April 23, 2025. Fan reactions on social media, such as X posts, have ranged from amusement to agreement, with some echoing Stan’s view of Trump’s narcissistic tendencies.
Implications and Cultural Impact
Stan’s remarks contribute to the ongoing discourse around Trump’s public image, particularly in the entertainment industry, where portrayals of political figures often spark debate. His comment about Trump watching the film 100 times, while hyperbolic, reflects a broader critique of Trump’s self-absorption, aligning with psychological analyses of his leadership style. This fits into a larger cultural conversation about narcissism in politics, as seen in discussions around Trump’s media presence and social media activity.